The Welsh Rugby Union’s flagship community holiday enrichment initiative, Fit, Fed & Fun led by title partner WE Soda, has delivered exceptional results over its first five years, generating an estimated £5.48 million in total social value and delivering a £4.12 return for every £1 invested, according to an independent Social Return on Investment (SROI) evaluation by the University of Gloucestershire.
Evaluating the social impact covering the easter and summer camps between 2022 and 2024, the programme delivered over 400 community camps, and attended by 15,928 children and young people across 75 communities and 22 local authorities. Since 2022, camps expanded to include all holidays throughout the year in Wales doubling the number of children and young people positively engaged to over 31,000.
Liam Scott, WRU Head of EDI says, “These results show the transformational power of community sport. Fit, Fed & Fun is about so much more than physical activity; it gives children a safe space to grow, connect, eat well, and simply be themselves during moments when families may be under the greatest pressure to even put food on the table during the holidays.
“The fact that the programme generates more than £4 of social value for every £1 invested demonstrates its effectiveness, but what matters most is the real, human impact we see every day.
We’re incredibly proud of the young people, families, staff, and community partners who make this programme what it is. A huge amount of gratitude goes out to our partner WE Soda, without which none of this would even be possible, along with our regional delivery partners, who are there week in, week out helping facilitate the sessions. We’re excited to continue expanding this vital work across Wales.”
Fit, Fed Fun combines free sport, healthy meals, and social engagement to tackle holiday hunger, inequality, and social isolation ensuring children and young people have safe, positive, and healthy experiences during the school breaks.
Major Findings from the SROI Evaluation
- £5.48m in social value generated
- £4.12 return per £1 invested
- Value range: £3.13 – £5.66 per £1
Meaningful impact for children & young people
- 72% improvement in healthy eating knowledge
- 63% increase in mental wellbeing indicators
- 74% improvement in social connection and belonging
- 81% improvement in safety-related behaviours
- Clear reduction in food insecurity and inequality through free access to meals and activity
Reach & Delivery
- 2,124 children and young people supported
- 15,928 total attendances
- 408 camps delivered
- 75 communities reached across Wales
- 22 local authorities engaged
- 10 partner organisations and 5 delivery partners involved
The evaluation highlights the programme’s long-term, sustainable benefits, including increased confidence, reduced food insecurity, stronger community cohesion, and improved life skills that continue well beyond each camp.
Alasdair Warren, WE Soda CEO said, “We are proud to stand alongside the Welsh Rugby Union in delivering a programme that has such a profound and measurable impact on young people and their communities.
“Fit, Fed & Fun aligns perfectly with our commitment to social impact, wellbeing, and reducing inequalities. Seeing over £5 million in social value created, while supporting thousands of children to eat well, stay active, and build confidence, is a compelling example of what strong partnership can achieve. We look forward to supporting the programme’s continued growth and long-term success.”
WE Soda fit, Fed & Fun camps are running across all regions throughout the year. To access a camp or find out more please contact the EDI team at inclusion@wru.wales
To view the full report, please click here.
About Fit, Fed & Fun
WE Soda Fit, Fed & Fun is a WRU-led holiday enrichment initiative designed to tackle food insecurity, improve physical and mental well-being, and strengthen community inclusion. Working in partnership with local authorities, schools, rugby clubs, community organisations, and commercial partners, including WE Soda, the programme delivers free meals, physical activity, and social development opportunities to children and young people across Wales.