Hello, Hunslet Club Community!
Welcome to our September / October newsletter, your go-to source for all things happening at the Hunslet Club. As the festive season approaches, let’s take a moment to reflect on the fantastic events and achievements of our community over the spooky and sparkle season!
The annual Hunslet Club Halloween party is a Club favourite among members and always a fantastic community event that gets the whole community into the spooky spirit of Halloween, offering fun and inclusivity for the whole family. One of the key reasons it was such a success was its ability to bring people together in a safe, welcoming environment. With a mix spooky activities for children including a Halloween disco, a live animal experience and a fancy dress competition, and entertaining experiences for teenagers such as a scare walk hosted by our talented Theatre Company, The Hunslet Rogues there was something for everyone to enjoy.
A highlight was a spooky Halloween themed performance from our ballet and tap groups who channelled Beetlejuice, it was great to see our young members entertain our community and showcase their hard work.
Historically known for its strong focus on sports and other recreational activities, The Hunslet Club has recently expanded its offerings to engage young people who may not be as interested in sports but are seeking creative activities outside of school. With the addition of our resident arts teacher Josh, the club has significantly broadened its arts programme. Over the past year, they have successfully planned and delivered a variety of arts sessions, workshops, and projects. The most recent initiative, Art Camp, brought together young art enthusiasts, providing them with the chance to learn new skills, explore different techniques, express their creativity, and have fun in a supportive, safe environment.
The art-specific school holiday programme at The Hunslet Club was a huge success, with all 60 places filled over two days. The programme’s success can be attributed to a combination of factors: strong community demand, diverse artistic offerings, and a clear focus on providing high-quality, engaging experiences for young people.
Parents and young people were eager for creative alternatives during the school holidays, and we responded by offering a range of art forms—from sketching, scrapbooking and painting to acrylic canvas painting to printing. This variety not only appealed to a wide range of interests but also gave participants the opportunity to explore different mediums, encouraging them to develop new skills and discover new passions.
By focusing on creativity and self-expression, we provided a safe, positive environment for young people to develop confidence, build relationships, and showcase their talents.
Additionally, the success of the programme highlights the growing interest in arts education within the community. It demonstrated the value of offering accessible, structured, and fun activities during the holidays, helping to combat boredom and engage young people in meaningful ways. This initiative has set a strong foundation for future arts programmes at The Hunslet Club.
The annual firework display at The Hunslet Club was an incredible success, drawing a crowd of over 2,000 attendees from the local community. This event has become a highly anticipated tradition, and this year’s display exceeded all expectations, offering an evening of fun, excitement, and community spirit.
The large turnout was a testament to the event’s growing popularity and the strong connection the club has with local residents. Families, friends, and neighbours gathered to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, with BBQ, traditional pie and peas and refreshments, music, and entertainment creating a festive environment for everyone. The highlight, of course, was the breath-taking firework display, which lit up the night sky and left spectators in awe.
The success of the event wasn’t just in the spectacular fireworks—it was in the sense of community that this event and the other FREE community events. The event provided a safe and enjoyable space for people of all ages to come together and celebrate. The support from volunteers, local businesses, and sponsors helped make the evening run smoothly, and their contributions were essential in making the event possible.
Overall, the firework display was more than just a visual spectacle; it was a true reflection of the vibrant, thriving community at The Hunslet Club, and we can’t wait for next year!
A special thank you to all staff, volunteers and young members who continue to make every event so special. Without your hard work and dedication we would not be able to serve the community and bring everyone together for these joyous occasions.
The Hunslet Club in collaboration with Hunslet ARLFC, is excited to introduce a brand-new offering aimed at promoting physical activity and encouraging a love for rugby in young children. The Hunslet Mini’s rugby session, designed for 3-5-year-olds, is an engaging and energetic session that encourages development through fun, age-appropriate rugby activities and games.
Due to the success of our Rugby section Hunslet ARLFC and our joint commitment to keeping kids active, engaged, and excited about sport from a young age, it was only natural to introduce Rugby to a younger age. The sessions are structured to help children develop basic motor skills, coordination, and teamwork in a positive and supportive environment. With an emphasis on fun and inclusion, the sessions are designed to introduce kids to the fundamentals of Rugby in a way that is accessible and enjoyable.
The Hunslet Mini’s Rugby sessions aim to build a strong foundation for future participation in sports, while instilling important values such as discipline, respect, and sportsmanship. Our sessions are on Tuesdays 4:00-4:45pm in our main hall during winter and outside during the warmer months. Please contact cboyce@hunsletclub.org.uk for more information.
We are so proud of our Under 11’s girls football team for embarking on the challenge to raise funds so they can take part in a football tournament in Barcelona. This experience will not only allow the girls to showcase their skills on an international stage but also provide them with the opportunity to grow both as players and individuals. Taking part in the tournament will build their confidence as well as giving them the opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime.
The journey to Barcelona is about much more than football – it’s about resilience, determination, and the power of community support. Each fundraising effort, whether it’s through events, sponsorship, or donations, has been a testament to the dedication of the girls, volunteer coaches and their families, as well as the incredible support from the local community and businesses. These efforts show that when we come together, we can achieve great things.
We’re incredibly excited to see the team’s hard work and passion pay off in Barcelona, and we’re confident they’ll represent The Hunslet Club with pride.
We are so pleased to announce we have received funding for our youth club for 3 more years! Thank you to The National Lottery Community Fund for supporting us and ensuring we get to deliver an outstanding FREE youth service 5 nights a week for young people in South Leeds and beyond.
With this funding we are ensuring all young people have a hot meal, a safe space and a place to thrive, try new things, meet new people and develop themselves. We are very thankful.
Interested in volunteering or becoming a member of the Hunslet Club? We’d love to have you join our vibrant community! Visit our website or stop by The Club to learn more about how you can get involved.
Follow this link to donate any amount small or large to our registered charity. We rely on the kindness of donations to be able to help every young person that we encounter at The Club, reach their full potential.
Stay connected with us on social media for the latest updates and announcements and to see what goes on daily at The Hunslet Club.
As always a huge THANK YOU for your continued support and participation. Together, we’re building a happier, healthier, and more connected community here at the Hunslet Club. We wouldn’t be us, without you!
Until next time, The Hunslet Club Team.
