If ever proof was needed that good things can come in small packages, Thetford Community Association (TCA) would be a fine example.

The charity has made a big impact in its 15 years of existence, despite being made up of just a small number of local parents and residents.

Set up after funding was secured to build a floodlit ballpark on the Redcastle Estate, the diminutive group has been managing and developing the site ever since.

It fundraises, seeks donations and applies for grants to meet the £4,000 running costs for the ballpark, which includes insurance, floodlight electricity costs and grounds maintenance.

Its work provides young people in the town with a vital venue to play football or other sports, for free, with the floodlights ensuring that darkness doesn’t necessarily mean the final whistle.

Alongside managing the ballpark, the TCA has been delivering its own football coaching sessions for young people for a number of years, with sessions always well attended.

It has also branched out into greenfingered pursuits, with a weekly gardening club at a local allotment proving popular with youngsters.

Cooking club sessions are set to relaunch in time for the school summer holidays as well.

Its biggest success could be yet to come, after funding was secured to employ a new community-based fly-tipping support officer.

Recruiting has taken place for the role, which it is hoped will go some way to tackling Thetford’s fly-tipping problem and educate residents on how best to dispose of unwanted items.

For more information about the TCA’s activities over the summer holidays, contact project coordinator Barbara Bysouth on 07835 316370.

The TCA ‘Let’s Get Cooking’ courses take place on August 12, 19, 26 and September 2 at the Charles Burrell Centre.

The sessions take place from 11am to 12.30pm and cost £1 per session for 10-18-year-olds. Contact Barbara Bysouth to book.

Football skills training takes place at the ballpark for eight to 14-year-olds from 6pm to 7pm every Thursday throughout the summer.

Sessions for over 15s take place at the Charles Burrell Centre on Mondays between 6pm and 7.30pm.

Sessions cost £1 each. Contact Adam on 07743 510765 for more details.

A parent or guardian must sign registration forms for each child’s first session.

Run a community group? Let us know by emailing tbw.news@archant.co.uk