2023 Winter HAF Programme

Next Monday sees the launch of our first HAF Programme at Hartsdown Park, so we caught up with programme lead Claire Allen.

Claire will need no introduction to Blues fans as she currently volunteers with our ever growing Youth section, where she currently holds the post of inclusion officer.

Claire has been instrumental in the introduction of our SEND sessions in partnership with Inclusive Sports at Hartsdown Park on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Claire has also played a pivotal role in securing new visually impaired sessions which will be launching in January 2024 (stay tuned for more info).

HAF programmes aim to offer those children in Thanet who receive free school meals the opportunities to enjoy fully funded activities hosted at various venues across Thanet.

This winter has seen Margate FC awarded as a venue, and after an incredible first day response, further places have been offered to local Children in Thanet.

Claire spoke to us about the launch next Monday; “We have some really amazing activities for all the children that are attending.

Over the four days we have lots of arts & crafts planned, sport activities and of course our trip to the Sarah Thorne theatre for the panto Sleeping Beauty.”

As well as the activities, children attending are provided with a hot lunch whilst with us at Hartsdown Park.

Claire added; “The kids will be having fun, whilst also receiving nutritional food and learning about new things.

This is very exciting for Margate Football Club. It has been abundantly clear that the club has an ambition to cater the whole community, which includes the already amazing work we do with SEND children.

The four days being offered will be fun and will include incredible activities which will be accessible for all the children attending.”

As well as her incredible work with Margate Youth, Claire also works at Hartsdown Academy with SEND pupils, and also has experience of working at the Lighthouse School.

We are all very excited at Margate Football Club to be hosting our first HAF programme, and look forward to welcoming lots of Children over the next few weeks.

For more information on our HAF programme, please contact media@margate-fc.com

More news