After-school sports clubs can be a great way for children to stay active, try new activities and keep developing outside the classroom. They can help children learn new skills, build confidence, improve coordination and spend time with others, while giving parents and busy families a structured activity that fits around the school day.
At Bluecoat Sports, juniors can take part in a range of after-school activities, including squash, pickleball, gym classes, cycling, and swimming, with sessions available for different ages and abilities.
In this guide, we’ll look at the after-school options available across squash, gym and swimming, what each session involves and how regular physical activity can help children stay active and develop new skills.
Explore our junior activities for kids in Horsham to discover even more options and find the right after-school activity for your child. If you have any questions about our junior sports clubs and how to book, please contact us or speak to reception, and we’ll be happy to help.
Why choose an after-school sports club?
After-school clubs can offer much more than exercise. They give children the chance to keep learning outside normal school hours while developing skills in a fun, structured environment.
Taking part regularly can help children:
- Stay active after spending much of the school day in lessons
- Learn new skills and try different forms of physical activity
- Build confidence as they become more familiar with a sport or activity
- Develop coordination, movement and fitness
- Practise teamwork and social skills alongside other children
- Discover new interests and activities they enjoy
For some children, an extracurricular club may be their first chance to focus on a specific sport. Others may already have experience and want to keep improving.
After-school sports clubs at Bluecoat Sports
Our current after-school programme includes a range of options across squash, gym, swimming and more.
Children can choose from:
- Junior Squash, with beginner, improver and advanced sessions
- Junior Pickleball for ages 8+
- Junior Gym and fitness, including Junior Circuits for ages 10–15 and Teen Gym for ages 14-15
- Learn to Swim and 1:1 swimming lessons
- Rookie Lifesaving and Barracudas Club for more experienced swimmers
This gives juniors several ways to stay active depending on their age and experience.
We also offer Family Indoor Cycling sessions on Thursdays, 18:30-19:30, and Family Swim at weekends, giving parents and children the chance to stay active and enjoy exercise together. Learn more about our family activities to find something to suit your interests and schedule.
Our sessions are popular, and some classes may have a waiting list. If the class you’re interested in is currently full, please contact us, and we’ll be happy to add your child to the waiting list.
Junior squash
Squash is a fast-moving racket sport that can help children develop coordination, movement and confidence while learning how to play both independently and against others.
At Bluecoat Sports, junior squash is split into different levels so children can build their skills as they progress.
Beginners Junior Squash
- Wednesdays 17:00-17:30
Beginners Junior Squash is suitable for children aged 5+ who are new to the sport or still developing the basic skills. Sessions include teaching key technical skills and squash drills in a fun and welcoming environment.
It can be a good starting point for children who are interested in trying a new sport without needing previous experience.
Improvers Junior Squash
- Wednesdays 17:30-18:15 / 18:15-19:00
Improvers Junior Squash is aimed at children who are ready to build on the basics. Sessions give juniors the opportunity to enhance their technique and squash skills through activities and games.
Advanced Junior Squash
- Mondays 18:00-19:00
Advanced Junior Squash is designed for more experienced players. Sessions focus on squash technique, shot selection, fitness, and match play, helping juniors continue to improve their overall game.
The different levels give juniors the chance to build their skills and progress as their confidence and ability grow.
Learn more about our squash facilities and see current prices.
Junior pickleball
Pickleball is a fun, sociable racket sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. Played with a paddle and a lightweight ball on a smaller court, it’s easy for children to pick up, making it a great option for juniors who want to try something new.
At Bluecoat Sports, junior pickleball sessions are led by our friendly coach, Dale, and are open to all abilities.
Junior Pickleball
- Fridays, 17:00-17:45
Junior Pickleball is suitable for children aged 8+ of all abilities. Sessions focus on learning new techniques and key skills while building hand-eye coordination, with plenty of friendly games along the way.
Junior gym and fitness sessions
Bluecoat Sports also offers after-school gym and fitness sessions for older children and teenagers, with activities designed to help juniors develop fitness, confidence and familiarity with gym-based exercise.
Junior Circuits
- Tuesdays, 16:30-17:15, & Thursdays, 16:30-17:15, & Saturdays, 09:15-10:00
Junior Circuits is designed for ages 10-15 and uses circuit-style exercise to develop cardiovascular fitness, stamina and endurance. An engaging session, it takes place in our Fitness Suite or the outdoor Fitness Yard depending on the weather, and is led by our highly skilled fitness team.
Teen Gym
- Mondays & Wednesdays, 17:00-17:45
Teen Gym is designed for ages 14-15 and takes place in the Fitness Suite or Fitness Yard.
The supervised session is split into two parts. Teenagers first have time to create their own workout before taking part in a full-body circuit led by our instructors. It provides an introduction to more independent gym training while offering guidance and supervision.
Junior Gymnastics
For children interested in developing movement, balance and coordination, Bluecoat Sports also offers junior gymnastics.
- Beginner Gymnastics: Wednesdays, 16:00
- Intermediate Gymnastics: Wednesdays, 16:45
Beginner Gymnastics focuses on fundamental movements, including body positioning, balance and coordination, while Intermediate Gymnastics builds on these foundations with more advanced movements and technique.
After-school swimming
Swimming is a popular after-school activity that combines physical activity with an important life skill. At Bluecoat Sports, we offer group swimming lessons or 1:1 sessions depending on needs and confidence in the water.
Learn to Swim
We offer Swim England Learn To Swim (LTS) swimming lessons for school-aged children. These sessions help children build confidence and essential swimming skills in a safe, structured environment.
Lessons are taught by trained Bluecoat Sports Swim Academy Instructors, making swimming lessons fun and entertaining while helping children develop their skills in the pool.
For parents, sessions can fit easily into the weekly routine, with a poolside viewing area available.
Find out more about our after school swimming lessons, class timings and how to book.
1:1 swimming lessons
1:1 swimming lessons give children individual support with areas of learning or improving their swimming technique, while building confidence and working on breathing. You can also book these 30-minute sessions as 2:1 swimming lessons, ideal for siblings or friends.
Bluecoat Sports also offers Rookie Lifesaving for children who want to develop practical water safety and rescue skills, as well as Barracudas Club for more experienced swimmers looking to continue improving their strokes, starts, turns and pace after they have completed the LTS program.
Which after-school club might suit your child?
The right after-school activity will depend on your child’s age, interests and confidence.
Popular after-school options include:
- Squash, which may suit children who enjoy racket sports, games and quick movement, with different levels available as their skills develop.
- Pickleball, which may suit children who want an easy-to-learn, sociable game.
- Junior Circuits or Teen Gym, which may suit older children who enjoy varied exercise and want to build confidence with gym-based fitness. Gymnastics can be another option for children who enjoy learning new movements and developing balance, coordination and control.
- Swimming, which may suit children who want to build water confidence, improve their technique or continue into more advanced swimming and lifesaving activities.
It can also be worth thinking about what your child genuinely enjoys. After-school clubs are often most valuable when children look forward to attending and want to keep developing their skills.
Helping children stay active after school
There are many ways to encourage children to stay active outside the classroom, from school clubs and organised sports to informal games with friends.
Some children may enjoy football, cricket, rugby, basketball, netball or athletics, while others may prefer activities such as squash, gymnastics, swimming or gym classes.
There is no single activity that suits every child. A choice of sports and structured sessions gives children the opportunity to try new things, build confidence, and discover activities they enjoy.
For parents and busy families, finding something that fits around the school week can also make regular physical activity easier to maintain.
Summary
After-school sports clubs give children a fun, structured way to stay active, learn new skills and build confidence outside the school day.
Bluecoat Sports offers a wide range of junior activities, including squash, pickleball, gym, gymnastics, indoor cycling and swimming. With options for different ages and abilities, children can try something new or continue developing skills in an activity they already enjoy.
Book a junior after-school sports club
From squash and gym sessions to swimming, Bluecoat Sports offers a range of after-school activities for different ages and abilities.
Explore our junior activities to find the right session for your child. If you have any questions about availability, booking or waiting lists, please contact us or speak to reception.
Frequently asked questions
Are after-school sports clubs suitable for beginners?
Yes. Many of the junior sessions at Bluecoat Sports are designed to help children build confidence and learn the basics before progressing. There are also improver and advanced options for children who already have experience in a particular activity.
Do children need a Bluecoat Sports membership to join after-school activities?
Not always. Many junior activities can be booked on a PAYGO basis or separately from a standard membership. Booking and payment arrangements vary by activity, so it’s best to check the individual session before booking.
How do I choose the right after-school activity for my child?
Consider your child’s age, interests, confidence and current ability. Some children may enjoy the fast pace of squash, while others prefer gym-based fitness, gymnastics or swimming. Choosing an activity they enjoy can make it easier for them to stay active and keep developing their skills.
