After-School Clubs and Kids' Classes in Sunderland

Many Sunderland schools run their own clubs at the end of the school day, so the first place to ask is always the school office. Beyond that, the city has a good spread of independent clubs and classes that run on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings, covering gymnastics, climbing, football, performing arts, trampolining and swimming. This guide covers the ones we could confirm are running in 2026, with the age groups and days they publish. Timetables change each term, so check the provider's own booking page before you go.

First Gymnastics, Seaburn Dene

First Gymnastics Sunderland runs recreational gymnastics classes in the sports hall at Monkwearmouth Academy on Torver Crescent. Classes are split by age: Tiny Gymnasts for ages 2 to 4 with a parent joining in, Mini for 4 to 6 year olds already in full-time school, Midi for ages 6 to 8 and Maxi for ages 8 to 12. There are sessions on Tuesday evenings from 5pm and on Saturday mornings, each lasting 55 minutes.

Children use bars, vault, trampettes and an airtrack, and work through an award scheme with certificates. Places are paid by monthly subscription and booked through the club's ClassForKids page, where a trial class can also be arranged. There is parking in the school's main car park.

Best for: Suits younger children trying gymnastics for the first time, with a straight-after-school Tuesday slot.

AAAsports, Southwick

AAAsports has its own centre on Shakespeare Street in Southwick and also runs classes at partner venues around the city. The programme is broad: gymnastics, trampoline, double mini trampoline, tumbling and cheerleading, plus pre-school sessions, classes for children with disabilities or additional support needs and one-to-one coaching. The club says it runs more than 120 classes a week.

Because the timetable is large, the easiest way to find a slot is the online booking portal linked from the club's website, which lists classes by age and discipline.

Best for: Suits children who want to go beyond a weekly taster, and families looking for inclusive sessions.

Sunderland Wall, Pallion

The climbing centre at Sunderland Wall, inside the former Doxford Works at Pallion Quay, runs a structured kids' programme. Geckos (ages 3 to 5) and Mini Monkeys (ages 5 to 7) climb at weekends, while Rock Monkeys, for ages 7 and over, have sessions on weekday evenings from 5.30pm to 7pm as well as at weekends. Older climbers can move on to Lead Monkeys on Saturday afternoons.

Instructors run every session, and children need a junior membership before they start, so allow time to sort that out first.

Best for: Suits active children aged 7 and up who want a weeknight session with a clear progression.

Foundation of Light football, Beacon of Light

The Sunderland AFC charity runs term-time football for ages 1 to 16 at the Beacon of Light next to the Stadium of Light. The range runs from Mini Dribblers for toddlers and Little Dribblers for pre-schoolers to older age groups. Little Lionesses, a girls-only group for ages 3 to 5, meets on Friday evenings and Sunday mornings. There is also a dedicated disability football programme.

Sessions are led by FA-qualified coaches and booked through the Foundation of Light website.

Best for: Suits football-mad children of almost any age, and girls who would rather start in a girls-only group.

PQA Sunderland, Red House

PQA Sunderland is the local branch of the Pauline Quirke Academy and has met every Saturday at Red House Academy on Rutherglen Road since 2016. It is a weekend club rather than an after-school one, but it is the main option we found for structured drama in the north of the city. Poppets, for ages 4 to 6, have shorter morning sessions, and the Main Academy for ages 6 to 18 runs from 9.45am to 1pm, covering comedy, drama, musical theatre and film and television.

Terms follow the school year, and new students can book a trial session through the academy's page.

Best for: Suits confident or curious children who want to try acting, singing and filming in one weekly session.

Super Tramp, Ferryboat Lane

Super Tramp is a trampoline park on Ferryboat Lane that runs an After School Club alongside its Tots Club and family bounce sessions. It is more of a burn-off-energy hour than a coached class, which some families prefer after a long school day. Check the park's website for the current club days and age guidance.

Best for: Suits children who need to let off steam rather than learn a new skill.

Swimming lessons

Two lesson providers run regular weekly classes. Swim at Sunderland teaches from age 3 at pools at Castle View Enterprise Academy and Farringdon Community Academy, and Swimtime at Everlast runs lessons for ages 4 and up on Tuesdays and Saturdays at the Everlast pool off Timber Beach Road. For pool times and public sessions, see our swimming in Sunderland guide.

Best for: Suits any child who has not yet passed their school swimming target.

Tennis and racket sports

Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis and Wellness Centre has 18 tennis courts, eight of them indoors, plus padel courts, and is affiliated to the LTA. The indoor courts mean junior tennis can carry on through the winter. Ask the centre about junior coaching groups and term dates.

Best for: Suits children who want a racket sport that keeps going whatever the weather.

Uniformed groups

Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Rainbows, Brownies and Guides all meet on weekday evenings in church halls and Scout huts across the city. They are run by volunteers, so places depend on leaders, and some sections have waiting lists. Our guide to Rainbows, Brownies, Cubs and Scouts in Sunderland explains how to find a local group.

Before you book

• Most clubs offer a trial session, so ask before you commit to a full term.
• Check whether a class is paid termly, monthly or per session, and what happens over half term.
• For younger children, check whether a parent needs to stay.
• If your child has additional needs, contact the club first. AAAsports and the Foundation of Light both run dedicated inclusive sessions.

For more ideas, see our guides to family activities in Sunderland and things to do in Sunderland, or browse the families hub.

Know a club we have missed? Get in touch.