"Harborne is a key community sports club in Birmingham and a real example of what can be possible"
 - Steven Bradley, England Hockey

We have supported Harborne to deliver Flyerz pan-disability inclusive sessions in Birmingham for disabled young people since 2019.

Originally, the club’s coaches and volunteers were hesitant to run inclusive sessions, however, through our Disability Training, all of the coaches have now been upskilled and feel confident to run pan-disability sessions.

Since 2019, the club has expanded and now regularly supports 31 disabled young people to improve their confidence, health and wellbeing. In 2023, the club even coached and mentored seven players with a disability who represented England and Great Britain in two separate international tournaments.

Steven Bradley from England Hockey said:

“Harborne is a key community sports club in Birmingham and a brilliant example of what can be possible” 

Working with our network of Flyerz clubs Harborne is also a key player in the wider hockey community. Harborne regularly collaborates with other clubs in the national Flyerz network to organise opportunities to socialise and play friendly matches, as well as establish new disability-inclusive sessions.

“Flyerz is about one thing and one thing only, creating an environment in which everyone can participate in hockey. It's not about doing something special because these children are disabled, it's just about creating an environment in which they can be comfortable to come and learn hockey in the same way as everybody else” - Flyerz Club Manager.

One individual that encapsulates Harborne’s impact on the local community is Oliver. Oliver has a learning disability and before 2019 had never participated in hockey. However, over the last four years, Oliver has become a key member of the Harborne family. Originally just participating in a weekly Flyerz session, Oliver has now gone on to travel the country with the club, join regular social events, including bowling and BBQ nights, and avidly supports the Men’s first team.

Christine Dalby-Ali, Club Captain, said;

“Oliver is probably one of our club members who has benefited the most from the social side of Harborne. He is definitely one of the most recognisable members of the club and someone you always see in and around the club, no matter what is going on!”

Oliver’s story epitomises the sense of belonging and community feel that Harborne provides to all its members. Beyond Hockey, the club’s inclusive and welcoming ethos means that everyone in the local community can experience the social benefits of community sport.

Images of Harborne at Flyerz South