When Warren Dykes first decided to first try training in martial arts, it was during a difficult period in his life.

He had been expelled from school and was struggling with instability at home, but he was made aware of Desapline Martial Arts in Scarborough through the FEAST activity programme, which is run by North Yorkshire Council.

The 14-year-old said: “My behaviour was just all over the place. Getting in trouble, starting fights – I was just misbehaving in general.”

He signed up for classes at Desapline through the FEAST scheme, which is North Yorkshire’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme and offers fully-funded activities with food for eligible children and young people during the holidays.

Andy Desa, who runs the martial arts centre, remembers being warned before Warren even arrived.

He said: “He was described as a bit of a ‘problem child’. But he came in and he was good as gold. He didn’t cause any trouble, didn’t lash out, didn’t fall out with anyone.”

Warren returned the next day, and he again proved to be the model pupil. Over time, he kept coming back, gradually building confidence and settling into the structure of training using it as a way to manage his emotions and focus his energy.

That consistency soon turned into real progress. Warren moved through his gradings, began entering competitions and started taking training seriously. He has since competed internationally and won multiple medals, including silver at a world championship in Hungary.

He said: “I never expected to get this far.”

For many families in the county, the FEAST programme removes the usual cost barriers and opens the door to new experiences. Parents and carers are being advised that bookings for this summer’s activities go live today (June 22).

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for corporate services, Cllr Heather Phillips, whose responsibilities include stronger communities, said: “Warren’s journey shows exactly what programmes like FEAST can mean for families across North Yorkshire.

“A single opportunity during the school holidays gave him structure, confidence and a sense of belonging. Stories like Warren’s demonstrate how holiday activities can open doors, remove barriers and give children the chance to thrive in ways that stay with them long after the summer ends.”

The FEAST holiday programme is open to children aged five to 16, with fully-funded places available for those who receive benefits‑related free school meals. It offers a wide range of activities, including sports, outdoor adventures, computer programming, dance and animal care.

In the past three years, FEAST has supported thousands of children over the summer, Christmas and Easter holidays.

Meanwhile, alongside his competition success, Warren began re-engaging with school. Mr Desa also worked with staff to share what he was seeing at Desapline and what helped Warren succeed.

Over time, that partnership made a difference. With a fresh start at a new school, Norton College, Warren was able to settle more successfully, with staff recognising the importance of structure, respect and consistency.

Now, he has come full circle and volunteers at sessions, helping younger children, including those attending through FEAST, just like he once did.

Mr Desa says that his experiences make a real difference for the younger children coming through and he believes the opportunity that Warren had through FEAST has had a wider ripple effect.

He said: “The programme brings in children who might not otherwise have access to structured activities, allowing clubs like Desapline to support them over time. FEAST helps us get kids that we wouldn’t normally see walk through the door.

“You see them grow. They come in unsure and then later they’re the ones helping the next group.”

For Warren, taking that first step was life changing.

He said: “If I didn’t start this, I would just still be in my bedroom gaming.”

The strategic director of FEAST, Laura Ward, said: “FEAST not only provides children and young people with nutritious food and fun and engaging activities, it enables them to make new friends and gain social skills and experience ready for new opportunities.

“Through FEAST Warren found something that worked for him and he’s now helping the next group of young people find their place too. I would also like to pay tribute to the dedication of local activity providers, schools, and communities who work together to make these holiday activities as enjoyable and rewarding as possible.”

Visit https://www.northyorkshiretogether.co.uk/FEAST to find out more details about the FEAST programme and to book places on this summer’s activities.