Finley’s Story: The Impact of Doncaster Council’s HAF Programme
In Summer 2025, Finley, age 8, attended Fusion Camp at New Pastures Primary School in Mexborough, an opportunity generously funded by Doncaster Council via their Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme. For a naturally active child used to playing football daily, the camp presented something entirely new: a week of unfamiliar faces, new games and a setting far from his usual routine.
First Day Nerves
On the first morning, Finley’s nerves were clear. He clutched his bag tightly, scanning the room of children who were already laughing and playing together. None of his school friends were there, and the camp felt like a completely different world. He hung back, quiet and withdrawn, unsure of how to join in. The team of coaches noticed his hesitation. Through gentle encouragement, small group games, and friendly conversation, they helped Finley take his first steps into the camp community. Slowly, he began to engage, starting with small activities and observing others before tentatively joining in.
Stepping Into the Action
The turning point came during a game of dodgeball. Normally confined to school PE lessons, the fast-paced, laughter-filled game captured Finley’s imagination. He ran, dodged and threw with growing confidence, realising he could be part of the team and, more importantly, that he could have fun in a new environment.
“I really enjoyed dodgeball because it’s fun and we only normally get to do it I n school,” he said.
From Curious to Courageous
As the days went on, Finley’s transformation was remarkable. He tried taekwondo for the first time, demonstrating courage and curiosity. His basketball skills improved through repeated play, and he began forming friendships, particularly with a boy named William, which further boosted his confidence. By midweek, Finley was no longer the shy boy lingering at the edge, he was actively encouraging others, supporting teammates, and fully embracing every activity.
Confidence Takes Centre Stage
By the middle of the week, Finley was no longer the quiet, hesitant boy who had arrived on the first day. His confidence had grown as he fully embraced the activities around him, from running across the dodgeball court to trying out new sports like taekwondo.
“I feel good when I’m on camp. It’s really fun because I’m busy being active and I’m not sat around bored,” he shared. The coaches played a crucial role in this transformation, designing engaging games that challenged him, encouraging him to take risks, and providing a safe space where he could succeed.
“The coaches have been really good. They’ve made up lots of fun games and I can always talk to them,” he added, showing how the combination of encouragement and structured play helped him thrive.
A Week of Transformation
By the end of the week, Finley had completely come out of his shell, blossoming into a confident and enthusiastic participant. He demonstrated resilience, social confidence and a genuine willingness to support his peers.
What had begun as a week full of uncertainty had become a journey of personal growth: Finley gained new friendships, developed self-belief, and discovered a real sense of belonging.
Impact in Motion
Finley’s experience had a significant impact. He overcame his initial anxiety and withdrawal to engage confidently in camp activities. He developed social skills by forming new friendships and actively supporting his peers throughout the week. His physical development improved as he honed his basketball skills and tried taekwondo for the first time.
Additionally, participating fully in daily activities helped him feel a sense of joy, purpose, and wellbeing that extended beyond the camp setting. Finley’s journey demonstrates the profound impact Fusion Camps can have on a child. Even a single week of carefully designed, activity-based programming can transform anxiety into confidence, isolation into friendship, and hesitation into joy.
Keeping Children Active and Healthy
Finley’s journey demonstrates the incredible impact that a single week of Fusion Camp can have on a child’s confidence, wellbeing, and physical development. Opportunities like these would not be possible without generous support from funders, such as Doncaster Council through their Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme.
Funding plays a vital role in ensuring that local children, particularly those who might otherwise spend their holidays inactive or isolated, have access to safe, structured, and engaging activities. It allows Fusion Camps to provide a wide variety of sports, games and enrichment opportunities, all delivered by skilled coaches who can nurture personal growth alongside physical development.
By supporting initiatives like Fusion Camps, funders help children like Finley stay active, build friendships, and develop essential life skills. These experiences not only improve physical health but also enhance mental wellbeing, resilience, and self-confidence.
You can read more stories like Finley’s here.