When families walk into Walsall GameFit, they expect fun. What they don’t always expect is that their child might leave having smashed the NHS daily physical activity recommendation by more than 165%.
That’s not unusual at GameFit. It reflects our ambition to become a leading community wellness hub in the region, bringing fun, fitness, and support to the people of Walsall. This includes our commitment to being a first-choice provider for delivering the HAF programme.
This is how young Raphy achieved his Grade A result:
99 minutes of MVPA and 16,667 steps —all in a single HAF session, powered by exergaming.
While Raphy absolutely smashed his daily MVPA, his cohort were not too far behind with just 3 mins of MVPA between first and third ranks and just over 400 steps between Raphy and second place.
Out of 21 children booked on the HAF 2025 program 50% actually achieved above the NHS MVPA recommendation.
HAF Cohort MVPA Grade – 2025
mins+
Players
Why Exergaming Works So Well for HAF
Intereactive Exergaming combines movement, competition, and immersive play in a way traditional activities often can’t match.
Children:
- Move more without feeling like they’re exercising
- Build confidence through instant feedback and achievement
- Stay engaged for longer through challenge and reward
- Participate regardless of ability or experience
- Thrive in a structured, predictable environment—especially those with SEND
The result? Sustained activity levels that consistently help children achieve—and often exceed—the recommended 60 minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).
The Wider Impact: Behaviour, Wellbeing & SEMH Outcomes
Where children participate in daily MVPA through GameFit sessions, this contributes to sustained improvements in mood, engagement, and emotional regulation throughout the remainder of the day. Within the HAF holiday setting, this supports positive behaviour, increased social interaction, and sustained participation in enrichment and food-based activities.
The final part of the day incorporates structured breathing exercises to support emotional regulation, calm transitions, and the development of self-regulation strategies. This approach directly supports wider SEMH outcomes, including improved emotional wellbeing, resilience, and the ability to manage feelings and behaviour.
It also aligns with Ofsted’s focus on personal development, particularly in relation to emotional wellbeing, self-regulation, positive behaviour, and children’s attitudes to participation and learning.
The Evidence Behind the Fun (reported nationally)
- HAF Children Are More Active
Average Daily MVPA (Minutes)
2. Parents See Real Benefits
Percentage Reported
3. Families Feel Supported
Family Support Outcomes (%)
- Exceptional Social Value
Every pound invested in HAF delivers significant community return.£1 Invested → £5.50 Social Value Generated
Amount | Social Return on Investment
What Makes Walsall GameFit Different?
At GameFit, every session is intentionally designed to maximise engagement, movement, and achievement.
Our HAF programme includes:
- Daily high-MVPA activity
- Interactive exergaming stations with live performance tracking
- Team games that build confidence and social skills
- Healthy cooking and enrichment activities
- Inclusive provision for SEND participants
- Motivational staff who celebrate every success
- Most importantly, children leave proud of what they’ve achieved.
This Year’s HAF: Bigger, Smarter, More Active
This summer, we’re raising the bar again.
We’re expanding our exergaming zones, introducing new competitive challenges, and increasing opportunities for high-intensity movement throughout the day.
Our mission remains simple:
To help every child achieve—or exceed—their daily 60 minutes of physical activity, while improving wellbeing, confidence, and engagement.
If last year’s results are anything to go by, many will go far beyond that.
Join Us This Holiday
For parents, this is more than childcare—it is a chance for your child to stay active, make friends, build confidence, and return home happier and more regulated.
Places for HAF at Walsall GameFit are limited and expected to fill quickly.
What we’re seeing at GameFit is a scalable model that genuinely improves children’s activity levels, emotional wellbeing, and wider family outcomes during holiday provision.
Active children. Happier families. Stronger communities.
👉 Book your HAF place at Walsall GameFit today and give your child a holiday that delivers real impact.