Tommy’s Story: Years In The Making
At just nine years old, Tommy is already a shining example of the difference Fusion Camps can make. A regular at the Carcroft Fusion Camp, Tommy has attended every school holiday for several years, alongside his siblings. For his family, it’s become a trusted part of the school break, a place where their children feel safe, included, and positively challenged.
A Safe, Supportive Space That Keeps Children Active
Like many children his age, Tommy would usually spend much of the school holidays playing outside with friends or passing time at home. Without access to structured opportunities, he often had less than an hour of physical activity each day. Fusion Camp changed that.
Over the course of three weeks in Summer 2025, Tommy took part in a wide variety of sports, games, and creative activities led by qualified and supportive coaches. Through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, the camp also provided free access and healthy lunches, ensuring children like Tommy had both the fuel and the focus to stay active and engaged.
Building Skills for Life
One of the most powerful outcomes of Tommy’s Fusion Camp experience has been his personal development. When he first joined camp, he was quieter and unsure in unfamiliar situations. Over time, and through consistent, supported participation, he’s grown into a confident and socially capable young person. Camp staff have watched his transformation with pride.
Now, one of the older children attending, Tommy is seen regularly supporting younger participants, helping coaches with group activities, and setting a strong example in team tasks. He’s developed important life skills, communication, teamwork, leadership, patience, that will support him far beyond the school holidays. These are qualities his family and coaches know will benefit his education, relationships and wellbeing as he grows.
Friendship, Fun and Feeling Included
For Tommy, the real joy of Fusion Camp comes from the relationships he’s built, with both peers and coaches. He speaks fondly of the friendly atmosphere and the way coaches like Tom and Adam involve the children in decision-making. This sense of belonging, combined with structured physical activity, creates a powerful foundation for positive wellbeing. And it’s why, when asked if he would come back, Tommy didn’t hesitate.
“I like coming to Fusion Camp because I get to chill and play with my friends and the coaches make it fun.”
Why Fusion Camp Matters
Tommy’s story is just one of many. Across South Yorkshire, Fusion Camps provide hundreds of children each year with a space to be active, healthy, and connected. Delivered by expert coaches, the camps are designed to break down barriers to participation, offering inclusive access, nutritious food and a positive routine during the holidays.
At Carcroft Primary School alone, the Summer 2025 camp ran over three weeks, with tickets completely selling out, serving hundreds of families who may otherwise struggle to access childcare, activity provision, or consistent meals during the break. For children like Tommy, Fusion Camps is a lifeline.
Read more stories like Tommy’s here or discover more about Fusion Camps here.