Our Story
Award Winning Sports Coaching
Thanks for looking at our website. SHAPE Performance are based in the North-East of England; but as well as providing services locally, we regularly work across the UK. We provide services for individuals, Schools, grass roots and elite sport. Whether you are trying to improve your sporting performances, or lead a healthy lifestyle we can assist you to reach your goals. Using scientific knowledge to underpin services means fact based support!
Our school holiday coaching courses were voted by SME News as the North-East's 'Best School Holiday Coaching Courses' which is testament to the 8 years of hard work we have made to making sure that our courses are safe, fun and engaging and the best in the area.The company was formed in 2006, when Tony Dowson (Company Owner) started offering sports science testing and workshops. A lot of this work was in schools and colleges offering exercise physiology testing, using equipment that was usually reserved to elite sports clubs or University research labs. This is something we do but the company has massively broadened the number of services offered.We regularly work with schools to improve the quality of their PE or sport. This is including workshops to improve the quality of PE lessons, curriculum support, fitness testing and training of pupils ‘showing potential’ in sport or PE (what most people call ‘gifted and talented’), revision classes for GCSE, BTEC or A level PE and playground games training for leaders. We work with several Primary schools providing after-school clubs in a range of sports.
We also offer regular coaching sessions for futsal and football, particularly in the Gateshead/Ryton area, as well as a girl's only session, which is a introdcution to football, with many of the players going on to play for the teams we run (Shape Performance Football and Futsal Club).We provide services for School PE, grass roots and elite sport. Whether you are trying to improve your sporting performances or lead a healthy lifestyle we can offer support. Using scientific knowledge to underpin services means fact based support!
Holiday Sports Coaching Courses
Best Holiday Coaching Courses in the North-East - voted by SME News
Thanks for showing an interest in our school holiday coaching courses. We continue to grow the number courses we run and are pleased to be adding a number of new venues in 2022. Our success is due to providing a first-class experience for the children attending. In 2021 we purchased a number of inflatables, which we transport round to each venue once or twice each week. These were a massive success and we are looking to add to the ones that have already shown to be so popular very soon.
Tony Dowson, SHAPE Performance Owner
Why book with us?
The major aim for our courses is to make them a fun as possible, and should you book your children on to one, I am sure they will have an amazing time. Our coaches all have a DBS check, first aid, safeguarding and relevant coaching qualifications. They are also employed because of the way they interact with the children, make it fun, as well as their ability to develop the children’s skill levels.
But don’t just take my word for it… check out the 5* reviews we have on Facebook, some of which are shown below.
https://www.facebook.com/SHAPEperform/reviews
Don’t forget to ‘like’ the SHAPE Performance Facebook page to stay up-to-date with all the courses we offer."
Award Winning Holiday Sports Coaching Courses
North-East’s ‘Best Holiday Coaching Courses’
SME News Northern Enterprise Awards
Options for holiday coaching courses
More choice = more fun
Multi-sport Activities
Available at all venues
Children normally take part in 4 activities each day, approximately 50 minutes on each activity.
The sessions involve a bit of coaching, but are mostly playing matches/games, and fun and enjoyment are our top priority so we choose activities which we know children of all abilities can enjoy. We pride ourselves on differentiating by ability, offering activities, which all children enjoy.
Depending on the facilities available at the venue, we have offered the following sports. Football, trampolining, cricket, basketball, tag rugby, table tennis, hockey, ultimate frisbee, tennis, gymnastics, dance, netball, climbing/bouldering. Dodgeball is a favourite amongst the children and we usually play this daily. We also play a few fun games like capture the flag, Danish longball and have one day where we will have a water fight (when the weather is hot enough)… two days, if we can fit this in! We also invite the children to bring in their bikes or scooters on one day, and have fun challenges, competitions and races, but please ensure they have a helmet and other protective gear, as we will not let them join in unless they have this. We have invested a large sum of money into Nerf blasters, safety goggles and darts so we can play Nerf games. We have enough blasters for everyone, so don’t worry if your child doesn’t have one. In 2021 we also purchased a number of inflatables and we take these to each venue once or twice throughout the week.
Dance, trampolining and gymnastics
Usually available at larger venues/schools
Children participate in a half-day of dance, with a half-day of either trampolining or gymnastics. Whether we do gymnastics or trampolining depends on the facilities available at the school.
In the dance sessions we teach some hip-hop and street dance moves, then put these together into a dance to a current chart song. We usually invite the parents in on Friday afternoon so the children can perform their work.
Gymnastics & Trampolining – Children spend time progressing through basic and advanced skills. They will then create sequences or routines, putting together the skills they have learned. In gymnastics this is often with a partner.
Football Coaching
Available at larger venues or schools
Players will receive high quality coaching to improve their footballing ability. The major emphasis is on having fun, whilst developing skills (passing, dribbling, shooting, turning, control of the ball, heading etc.), game awareness (tactical knowledge), football fitness and mental aspects of football (e.g. determination, team work etc.). At the end of each session children play matches to put into practise what they have been working on.
Summer 2026
Use the following link to book a place
https://campscui.active.com/orgs/ShapePerformance?orglink=camps-registration
Monday 27th July to Friday 31st July 2026
(A) St Paul's Primary School, Alnwick - Multi-sport activities only
(B) Barmoor Playing fields, Ryton - Football coaching only
Monday 3rd August to Friday 7th August 2026
(A) Northburn Primary School, Cramlington - Multi-sport activities only
(B) Prudhoe High School - (1) Multi-sport activities or (2) football coaching
(Prudhoe - if numbers permit we will also be running a dance and trampolining group, register interest for this when booking a place on the multi-sport activities)
Monday 10th August to Friday 14th August 2026
(A) Northburn Primary School, Cramlington - Multi-sport activities only
(B) Whickham School - (1) Multi-sport activities or (2) football coaching
(Prudhoe - if numbers permit we will also be running a dance and trampolining group, register interest for this when booking a place on the multi-sport activities)
Monday 17th August to Friday 21st August 2026
(A) St Paul's Primary School, Alnwick - Multi-sport activities only
(B) Whickham School - (1) Multi-sport activities or (2) football coaching
(Prudhoe - if numbers permit we will also be running a dance and trampolining group, register interest for this when booking a place on the multi-sport activities)
Click on the 'Book here' box or use the following link to book a place
https://campscui.active.com/orgs/ShapePerformance?orglink=camps-registration
🌟 Cancellation & Refund Awareness
We understand that children can become unwell or injured unexpectedly, and we always aim to be fair and supportive. However, to run high‑quality courses we must commit to our coaching team in advance, and late cancellations make it difficult to maintain a sustainable business. For this reason, refunds cannot always be offered for cancellations made close to the course start date, including those due to illness or injury. We want parents to be aware of this before booking so expectations are clear and decisions are consistent for everyone. Please take a moment to read our full Terms & Conditions — especially the cancellations policy — via the link below before completing your booking. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1b4g1JnuE-_WDITVKCb9map8ZMwI8vo8t7d_lWSXBqMw/
🌟 Optional Cancellation Protection (New for Summer 2026)
Cancellation Protection is entirely optional. For added flexibility, you can choose to add Cancellation Protection to your booking.
This optional fee allows you to cancel your booking at any time, including in cases of illness or injury, and get a full refund or credit on the account. It is designed to give parents peace of mind while helping us continue to run high‑quality, well‑staffed courses.
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Day booking: £2 (optional)
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Full week booking: £6 (optional)
If you choose not to add it, please be aware that refunds for late cancellations cannot always be offered, as we must commit to coaching staff and course numbers in advance.
On our multi-sport activities sessions we have 'specialist sessions'. These are days when children can or should bring in stuff from home. See below for more details but be aware that these can be subject to change. For example we will sometimes move the water fight to a day when hot weather is predicted. Also, if heavy rain or high winds would mean that the inflatables couldn't be put up then we may change this session to another day.
SPECIALIST SESSIONS AT ST PAUL'S PRIMARY, ALNWICK
Monday 27th July - Nerf games
Tuesday 28th July - Inflatables
Wednesday 29th July - Water fight
Thursday 30th July - Bikes and scooters
Friday 31st July - No specialist activity
Monday 17th August - Bikes and scooters
Tuesday 18th August - Nerf games
Wednesday 19th August - Water fight
Thursday 20th August - Inflatables
Friday 21st August - No specialist activity
SPECIALIST SESSIONS AT NORTHBURN PRIMARY SCHOOL, CRAMLINGTON
Monday 3rd August - No specialist sessions
Tuesday 4th August - Nerf games
Wednesday 5th August - Bikes & scooters
Thursday 6th August - Water fight
Friday 7th August - Inflatables
Monday 10th August - Inflatables
Tuesday 11th August - Water fight
Wednesday 12th August - Nerf games
Thursday 13th August - Bikes and scooters
Friday 14th August - No specialist activity
SPECIALIST SESSIONS AT PRUDHOE HIGH SCHOOL
Monday 3rd August - Nerf games
Tuesday 4th August - Inflatables session
Wednesday 5th August - Water fight
Thursday 6th August - Bikes and scooters
Friday 7th August - No specialist activity
SPECIALIST SESSIONS AT WHICKHAM SCHOOL
Monday 10th August - No specialist activity
Tuesday 11th August - Nerf games
Wednesday 12th August - Bikes and scooters
Thursday 13th August - Water fight
Friday 14th August - Inflatables session
Monday 17th August - Inflatables session
Tuesday 18th August - Water fight
Wednesday 19th August - Nerf games
Thursday 20th August - Bikes and scooters
Friday 21st August - No specialist activity
Specialist sessions
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Inflatables sessions. We have a number of inflatables (e.g. a mega slide, cliff jump, disco dome etc.) These are set up at the venue and children will typically have between 2 and 3 hours to play on them. For the remaining time, they will participate in the multi-sport activities that are offered (e.g. dodgeball, football, trampolining etc.). Children must wear socks and ideally a long-sleeved top or tee-shirt. A change of clothes, especially socks, is needed in case of wet grass or rain. There is no additional cost for the inflatables session if booked on for the full week, or the day they are being set up. Please note that the inflatables sessions is subject to cancellation if it is too windy, or if it is raining excessively.
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Nerf games. Children will participate for one or two nerf sessions (out of the four we offer each day). For the remaining sessions they will participate in other sports/activities. We have enough goggles for everyone, and lots of spare blasters but if children want to bring their own nerf blaster they can do so.
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Bikes and scooters. Children should bring in their bike and scooter if they want to participate for the 1-2 hours we allow the children to play on them. There will be an alternative activity if they don't want to. Children must wear a helmet to participate and we will have a few spare helmets but please make an effort to ensure they have their own.
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Water fight. Children need a towel and a full change of clothes and a water pistol - we do have some spares, but ideally they have their own. We also try to set up a slip'n'slide at each venue on this day. The water fight is depending on the weather conditions. The children will participate in the water activities for part of the day, doing other sports/activities for the remaining time.
Safety, fun and development our main priorities
Frequently Asked Questions
Stuff people want to know about our holiday coaching courses
What ages can attend?
Children who are finishing Reception class in August 2022 can attend our Summer 2022 courses. For courses at other times of the year children need to be in Year 1. For smaller sites (usually First and Primary Schools) children in Year 7 can attend but at High Schools we allow Year 8s to attend.
How do I book a place?
Places can only booked using our online booking system. Follow this link to book. https://campscui.active.com/orgs/ShapePerformance?orglink=camps-registration
Are there still places available?
This webpage will display show when a course is full and no more places available. You can also see when places are nearly sold out on the booking site if you try to book a place.
Can my child attend if they have a disability or additional educational need?
We try to accommodate all children, so everyone can attend. However, we usually can’t cater for children who need specialist 1-2-1 support. If they can join in PE lessons at school, without constant supervision or assistance, then they are fine to attend. A full refund will be offered if you book them in and we cannot support them effectively to ensure all children are safe and have fun.
Do they need a packed lunch?
Yes, if you have paid for the course then they need their own food and plenty to drink. Please avoid sending in your child with foods containing nuts as we regularly get children attending who are allergic. AN EXCEPTION IS OUR FREE COURSES, (WHICH ARE FUNDED BY GOVERNMENT HAF FUNDING) WHERE FOOD IS PROVIDED.
Can parents stay and watch?
No, for safeguarding reasons parents are not allowed to stay.
Are your ‘Free Courses’ only for children receiving Free School Meals?
No, anyone can attend these courses, regardless of whether they are receiving free school meals.
Do I need to book for the full week?
No, it is cheaper to do so, but you can book for any number of days.
How much does it cost?
Summer 2022 prices
The price is £60 for a full week. £55 for any 2nd sibling and £50 for other siblings.
The day rate is £16 per child, or £14 per day for a second sibling and £12 for a 3rd sibling?
Do you accept childcare vouchers?
We aren't Ofsted registered yet so can't accept childcare vouchers. We are working on this, so hopefully this will change soon.
Are all courses available at every venue?
No, at the smaller venues we usually only have the multi-sport activities. The football coaching and dance, trampolining and gymnastics options are sometimes available at the High schools. See the details above to see which courses are available at each venue.
What activities do the children do?
See the information above for details of each course. Our courses are normally broken up in following way.
Session 1 (e.g. basketball)
Break & snack
Session 2 (e.g. trampolining)
Lunch
Session 3 (e.g. dodgeball)
Break & tuck shop
Session 4 (e.g. capture the flag)
What times do you operate?
Courses run from 9:45am until 3pm. We have an early drop-off from 8:45am at most venues (at an extra cost).
Can my child be in the same group as their friend or sibling?
If they are similar ages then yes, this is likely to be the case. If there is a large age difference then it depends on the course they choose. For dance, gymnastics and trampolining this is usually fine. However, for safety, this is not always possible for football and multi-sport groups. We try to accommodate requests but cannot guarantee it, particularly when there is a large size, ability or age difference.
Do you have spare water guns or nerf blasters as my child doesn’t have one?
Yes, we have some spares, but if you can get one prior to the course that would be great. We have more nerf blasters available.
Do they have to wear a helmet for the bikes and scooters activity?
Yes, we have a ‘no helmet, no ride’ policy for safety and to meet insurance guidelines.
Can my child switch groups during the week?
We try to accommodate children wanting to switch groups but this isn’t possible if groups are full as we cannot go over our coach:participant ratios for insurance requirements.
Inflatables
The only company in the North-East offering inflatables sessions on their holiday coaching courses
In 2021 we purchased a number of inflatables so we could take these to our holiday coaching courses… and SP bouncy castles and inflatables was born!
Checkout www.spininflatables.co.uk for more details.
We usually take with us to each venue:
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A mega slide.
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A disco dome
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An air mountain
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A cliff jump/leap of faith
Book on one of our holiday coaching courses, for a full week, or on the days when the inflatables are on-site and the use of the inflatables is included in the price… what great value!
We are looking to expand our product range soon to offer an even bigger and better experience soon.
TESTIMONIALS
My 6yr old has just participated in the dance, gymnastics and trampolining course. She absolutely loved it and has come home happy and confident each night. She can be very shy in new situations but performed in front of parents today with a smile! Thank you to everybody involved- she will definitely come again!
Helen Stott
Great value for money. Children are active in a safe environment with professional staff having fun but also learning lots of skills. Would definitely recommend to others.
Stephen, Dad of Matthew, aged 5.
My daughter and my nephews regularly attend holiday sports camps ran by Tony and the guys, They love it! They literally have a ball and the coaches are professional and approachable. There is a wide range of activities available to suit all kids and it really is fantastic value for money! Particular favourite of my lot is water fight day! 5 stars from me!
Lisa Walsh
Ethan has had a fab time and was really enthusiastic about coming every single day… he had actually been asking "Is it a football day today”?
Helen Chambers
My son has attended both the holiday club and football training ran by Tony since 2021.
Tony is an advocate for sport, stressing the benefits of it for mental health, team work and emotional development regularly.
The holiday club caters for all, it is well organised and ran with plenty of additional activities built in (such as water fights and inflatables) to make it a real experience for the children. I am most impressed with the level of detail given to parents for each course, explicit instructions on where to meet, what the day will include and what to send your child with.
My son has grown in confidence through shape performance and it’s wonderful to see him enjoying outdoor activity. I believe the holiday club is also great for encouraging independence, my son helps to pack his own bag, takes money for the “tuck shop” where staff support him to ensure his £1 isn’t blown just on sweets!
The holiday clubs are also flexible, for example my son tried football but didn’t enjoy it, so the staff switched him to multi sports for the afternoon session. It’s really nice to see that the well-being of the child comes first and we are looking forward to the summer club this year!
Katie Folan
Absolutely fantastic holiday camp , my oldest son has been going for 5 years and absolutely loves it , for the first time My youngest son with additional needs has been this year and he was desperate to go back again this week as he had the best time and great fun. Very well organised and professional coaches and set up , with gives me great confidence my boys are in great hands.
Helen Graham
As a working parent of 3 primary school aged children, I feel incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to send my children to shape performance holiday club. The sessions are incredible value for money, and the wrap around sessions are so helpful for working parents such as myself. The sessions are accessible to all children, and there are a huge variety of activities on offer to suit all ages and abilities. My children are always happy to go and always come home with a huge smile on their faces, and suitably tired after a day of fun and fitness. There are many venues across the north east and we are very lucky to have access to venues in our local area which are easy to get too. The staff are wonderful, and what is most appealing is that all staff are qualified in coaching the children, so as well as having fun, making friends, interacting with other children and being well cared for in a safe, positive fun environment, I know that they are also developing new skills and being taught at a very high level. Thank you to Tony and staff, they make such a positive difference to the lives of many children in our area, and as parent I'm really not sure how we would manage over the long 6 weeks holiday, and know many other parents feel the same.
Thanks again, we are very grateful for what you offer our community, and this award would be so deserved for all your hard work and dedication in ensuring a safe fun environment for our children with so many health and wellbeing benefits of what is on offer for the children.
Debbie Shepherdson
Other Services
Football and sports parties
Fun for everyone!
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School PE Support
We offer a variety of services to schools
From Curriculum PE support, PPA cover, leadership training, competitions and after-school clubs. If you school needs support, then get in touch to discuss.
Football and Futsal Coaching
Developing great people and great players
We have regular football coaching and futsal coaching sessions available in the Ryton area. Contact us for more details.
Connect With Us
Get in touch to learn more about the coaching courses and services we have available.
Lambton Close, Crawcrook, Ryton NE40 4UX, UK
07713 244023
