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Active Families is all about getting moving together, having fun, and connecting through sport. Designed for families with children aged 5 to 15, this community programme brings parents, carers, and kids together in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Each week, we’ll offer a different sport, from Badminton in our sports halls, to Football on our Astroturf pitches, to Rock Climbing on our 32-route indoor wall. Families may also find themselves trying activities like Boccia, Tennis, Table Tennis, and Handball as part of the fun.
Our sessions are all about inclusivity, enjoyment, and bringing families together through the power of sport while giving everyone the chance to try something new and discover their skills.
Our Active Families sessions run weekly and are designed to be flexible and fun.
Our Active Families Multisport Sessions are designed so that families can move between activities at their own pace, so you don’t need to take part in every activity if you can only join part of the session. Each week offers a variety of sports and games, giving everyone the chance to try something new while enjoying time together.
Our Family Climbing Drop Ins are designed to provide families an opportunity to climb together, with no prior experience required! Book yourselves in, turn up and climb!
| SESSION | DAY | TIME |
|---|---|---|
| Active Families Multisport Session (5 - 15) | Friday | 17:15 - 18:15 |
| Family Climbing Drop In (8 - 15) | Friday | 18:00 - 19:00 |
| Family Climbing Drop In (8 - 15) | Friday | 19:00 - 20:00 |
| PARTICIPANT | MULTISPORT SESSION | PRICE |
|---|---|
| Primary participant | £3 |
*Each primary participant child can attend for £3.00 and bring up to 2 family members (one parent/carer aged 18+ & one sibling aged 5-17) for free. The primary participant must be aged 5-15. If you want more participants to join, you must book additional spaces accordingly. Email scd.sportspark@uea.ac.uk for further guidance.
| PARTICIPANT | CLIMBING DROP IN | PRICE |
|---|---|
| Primary participant | £7.50 |
*Each primary participant child can attend for £7.50 and bring one family member (parent, carer, or sibling aged 18+) for free. The primary participant must be aged 8-15. If you want more participants to join, you must book additional spaces accordingly. Email scd.sportspark@uea.ac.uk for further guidance.
The Active Families Community Group has been established to support families in the surrounding community, local to the UEA Sportspark. Our core aim is to provide affordable enrichment activities for children and their families to develop physical, mental, and social skills through the power of sport.
Participation eligibility – all participating families must:
Have a primary participant aged 5-15 years old – who can be accompanied by a maximum of 2x family members per session (one parent/carer aged 18+ & one sibling aged 5-17).
Have registered their family via the UEA Sportspark – Active Families Community Group Registration Form & Agreed to our group rules at the point of registration.
To ensure our community group is positive and beneficial for all, please read and follow the below community group rules:
Be respectful, treat others with kindness, and listen to our brilliant coaches.
Be supportive, encourage others and celebrate all of the success in the room.
Enjoy your time, enjoy being active, and learning new skills.
Include everyone, we all have a part to play and engage in the activities delivered.
Follow the safety rules, wear appropriate clothing, listen to our coach’s instructions, and inform a member of staff of any injuries.
Use appropriate language, ensure the language used within our group is suitable for children and families in attendance.
Show good sportsmanship, thank others for playing and enjoy feeling challenged!
All attending participants must be registered via our registration form. Please ensure the details of the attending family members are provided here.
Once complete we will welcome you into the group!
Once registered, bookings can be made with our reception team on 01603 592398, via our Sportspark app, or via our online booking system.
Spaces are limited, so we recommend booking in advance to secure your spot!
For more information, email us at scd.sportspark@uea.ac.uk
Since launching in March, over 190 families have signed up, with 57 already taking part in our weekly sessions. Across those families, 157 participants aged 5–67 have enjoyed activities including rounders, football, cricket, tennis, badminton, handball and more.
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"It's been lovely spending time together, which we don’t often get. Sometimes turning it into more of a treat by getting dinner out afterwards.
Parent
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Our Active Families programme has partnered with Rounders England’s ‘Play Rounders’ programme, to provide an inviting and inclusive environment for our families to enjoy Rounders activities via a user-friendly version of the game. Once a month our activity programme will include Rounders as one of our activities.
To find out more about Rounders England, you can visit their website.
We’re thrilled to announce that our Sportspark Active Families Community Group has been nominated as a finalist in the Healthy category of the 2025 Flourish Awards!
Since launching in March, over 190 families have signed up, with 57 already taking part in our weekly sessions. Across those families, 157 participants aged 5 to 67 have enjoyed activities including rounders, football, cricket, tennis, badminton, handball and more.
The impact has been clear:
88% of families said the sessions let them try something new
88% said they provided valuable family time
100% agreed they helped improve skills in the activities
88% felt safe during sessions
78% felt supported as parents and that the sessions strengthened family relationships
Jamie Bennett, Sport and Community Development Manager at UEA Sportspark, said:
"To be named as a finalist is wonderful recognition for the coaches that work so hard to make this group what it is. We plan to continue into the next phase of the programme, expanding that impact further into our community via a ‘loan to take home’ equipment scheme, encouraging families to engage in activities together at home, in the park, in the garden or wherever they choose!"
Parents have shared how much the sessions mean to them:
"It’s been lovely spending time together, which we don’t often get. Sometimes turning it into more of a treat by getting dinner out afterwards."
"Great opportunity for my little one to try a range of new sports in a fun, friendly environment."
The Flourish Awards celebrate projects and organisations supporting children and young people in Norfolk to flourish, with winners judged by young people and parents themselves. The awards evening will take place on 24th September 2025.
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