Free Ice Skating and Swimming Available for Eligible Children in Sheffield This Half Term
This February half term, children and young people in Sheffield who are eligible for free school meals can enjoy complimentary ice skating and swimming activities. The initiative is part of the national Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, designed to support families during school breaks.
Programme Details and Eligibility
Leisure facilities managed by Everyone Active, in partnership with Sheffield City Council, are offering ice skating lessons and swim and skate passes specifically for eligible children aged 11 to 16 years. To qualify, children must be in receipt of benefits-related free school meals, ensuring access for those from lower-income households.
Schedule and Locations
Ice Sheffield will host free ice skating lessons from Monday, February 16 until Thursday, February 19, with sessions running from 3-4pm each day. For swimming, multiple leisure centres across Sheffield are participating, including:
- Hillsborough Leisure Centre
- Ponds Forge International Sports Centre
- Springs Leisure Centre
- Heeley Pool and Gym
- Concord Sports Centre
Swim or ice skating passes are valid from Friday, February 13 until Sunday, February 22, providing unlimited access to scheduled Junior Swim and Junior Ice skating sessions during this period.
Community Impact and Statements
Phil Bowers, area contract manager at Everyone Active, emphasised the importance of this programme: “It’s important to us to be part of the national HAF programme because it enables children of all ages to keep active and have fun over the holidays, no matter their financial circumstances. We’re inviting children from across Sheffield to join us for a fantastic programme of activities designed to keep them moving, making friends and learning new skills.”
Parents and guardians of eligible children are encouraged to register for these activities to ensure their children can participate in this valuable community offering.
