Sportily Supporters News: The Sports Pages

 

From the pitch/court/field

• It's half-term, which means our holiday clubs and pop-up sports sessions are happening across Gloucestershire. We had a great session in Newnham yesterday, led by Sport and Faith Coach Lucy. She shared:
  
  "Despite the weather, we still had a good turnout. The group mixed really well together, got stuck in and gave everything a go. It was great to see how encouraging they were towards each other.
  
  One Grandma brought her three grandchildren and said how much easier it had made her day of childcare, by being able to bring them along this morning. She said that they'll definitely be back in the summer.
  
  Off the back of this morning's pop-up sports, three children have signed up for Thursday's session in Soudley."
   
• From attending our sessions and TRAC residentials as a young person, to becoming a sessional worker, Will has grown up with Sportily and it's been a privilege to see him getting stuck into coaching the young people. He leads some of the community sports sessions in North Glos and has been doing a fantastic job. Well done Will!
   
• Our first TRAC residential of the year has taken place for Hardwicke Year 6 pupils. Sport and Faith Leader Tim ran the three-day trip and shares:
  
  "Awesome 3 days, it was so much fun. It was so amazing to see these young people overcome fears, laugh together, cry together, and to witness the care their teachers have for them which shone through so much. Thank you Jesus for the time spent with these guys."
   
• Something special happened recently at Tim's community cafe in Hunts Grove – a powerful reminder of how God works through simple moments:
  
  "A lady who we've never seen before walked in and heard the worship music playing and saw the prayer board and said, 'I think this must be a sign from God, I've been looking for a Christian community to link in with. Do you need any volunteers?'
  
  Thank you Jesus!!!"
  
  If you'd like to find out more about volunteering with Sportily, click here.

Please pray for

• A great half-term sports programme – that it runs smoothly, brings in both new and returning faces, and creates lots of meaningful moments.

In case you missed it...

• It was National Mental Health Awareness Week earlier in May and we chatted with a couple of members of the team about their experience with mental health. 
  
  Abbie, our Pilates instructor shared her story in the hope that it brings comfort, courage, and a reminder that healing is always possible. To read, click here.
  
  Sport and Faith Coach Mark has shared his journey with us on a few occasions. We caught up with him for an inspiring update on his journey with mental health, exploring how God is using his story to bring hope and healing to others. Click here to read.

Coming up

• TRAC 2025!
  IT'S BACK, BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER. Think water fights, go-karting, fancy dress, arts and crafts and so much more.
  
  Can you help a young person attend?
  We're looking for people to donate £15 to sponsor a young person to attend, so that the price they pay can be made as low as possible during this cost of living crisis.
  
  Perhaps you could give more than £15 and help us to offer heavily discounted or free bursary places to those who couldn't otherwise afford to come.
   
  During the week we give young people the most incredible experience. They try different sports, make new friends and explore what life is all about. Together we'll try raft building, pedalo boats, archery, zip lining, sport, drama, art, wide games, fitness fun and more! We even have our own 'house band' to help us as we explore the Christian faith, ask questions about Jesus and discover new things.
  
  It's a uniquely special event which has a profound impact on all those who come.
  
  Click here to find out more.