Building healthier futures: why afterschool sports matter for young people matter more than ever
We’re excited to announce that after school sports are returning to Marlborough Sports Garden.
Download the images above as a reminder of the afterschool sports programme, or follow our Instagram for story updates. We have a menu of activities starting Monday 13th April 2026 running to Friday 10th July 2026:
Tuesdays:
Touch Rugby, 3:45-5:15pm for ages 8-11, provided by Ballers Academy
Girls’ Football, 3:45-5:15pm for ages 6-11 (girls only), provided by Girls United
Street Dance, 3.45-5.15pm for ages 6-11, provided by Cruz Sports
Wednesdays:
Beach Tennis, 3.45-5.15pm for ages 5-11, provided by Deuce Beach Tennis
Boxing & Fitness, 3.45-5.15pm for ages 8-11, provided by Bogus Boxing
Samba Soccer, 3.45-5.15pm for ages 5-11, provided by Samba Soccer Schools
Thursdays:
Beach Volleyball, 3.45-5.15pm for ages 5-11, provided by Sideout
Basketball, 3.45-5.15pm for ages 6-11, provided by Rise3x3
Cricket, 3.45-5.15pm for ages 8-11, provided by Surrey Cricket Foundation
Mondays and Fridays are Free Play Days – no pre-booking required.
Why do these sessions matter?
These sessions are about more than activity. They are about creating consistent, welcoming spaces where young people can move, connect and grow.
This is vital, because across the UK, children’s relationship with outdoor space is changing, and not for the better.
Recent research shows that one in three children no longer play outside after school, with participation shaped heavily by access, safety and environment.
At the same time, the benefits of outdoor activity are clear and well evidenced. Children are significantly more active outdoors, with physical activity levels up to five times higher than indoors.
Despite this, access to green space remains deeply unequal. In many urban areas, planning pressures and limited provision mean children are growing up without safe, accessible places to play, explore and be active.
This matters, because physical activity is about far more than fitness.
Children who regularly take part in after school sport and outdoor activity are:
- More likely to meet recommended daily activity levels
- More likely to experience improved mental wellbeing and social development
- More likely to build confidence, resilience and key life skills
There is also a long term impact. Participation in sport has been linked to improved life outcomes, including leadership, communication and future career success.
At the same time, inactivity remains a national challenge. Millions of children in England still do not meet recommended activity levels, highlighting the need for sustained, local solutions.
The role of community spaces
Local green spaces play a vital role in addressing this.
They provide:
- Safe environments for play and movement
- Opportunities for structured and informal activity
- Spaces for social connection and community belonging
When these spaces are invested in, the impact is measurable. Programmes that combine community engagement, outdoor play and accessible activity have shown significant increases in children’s physical activity levels and reductions in inactivity.
The return of after school sports at Marlborough Sports Garden is part of this wider effort, working with partners to ensure young people have regular, reliable access to high quality outdoor activity in their local area.
Get involved
Book a spot now here or find out more about the various sessions at this link.