Last weekend Access Sport hosted an inclusive multi-sport festival at Bromley College for disabled young people and their families. 

With over 50 disabled young people and their families taking part, it was a brilliant event filled with an array of different fun and inclusive sport. All the attendees tried new activities and learnt new skills, it was fantastic to see so many young people experiencing the transformational benefits of community sport. 

Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, we have been working across Bromley, Bexley and Croydon since 2022. Our current vision is to extend this programme across London so that we can train, equip and empower community clubs to deliver inclusive sessions for disabled young people.

With families and young people often unaware of their local inclusive sports offers, these festivals gather clubs, community groups and participants in one space so that we can start to create new inclusive sporting communities.

One parent said:

“It was nice to come somewhere where the accessibility worries were already thought of and that concern was taken out of our hands, as that’s never really happened before”.

We were joined by volunteer-led sports clubs from across London, including Bromley FC, Kent Cricket, Dynamic Coaching, Pulse Social, RAW Tennis and Planet Hoop.  

All of these clubs have been supported via our Changing Places London Programme, including participating in our Disability Awareness Training and receiving adaptive sports equipment. The clubs have also benefited from funding support and have been connected with our network of health, disability and education organisations.

Another parent said:

“He has never felt like he is good at anything before, and all the children are saying hi to him, it is just so nice to be involved.”

The Mayor of Bromley, Cllr Mike Botting also visited and met many of the young people, their families and the clubs. Our Chief Executive, Helen Rowbotham spoke to the Mayor about the importance of these events, as well as the life-changing benefits of community sport. The Major was specifically interested in learning more about how community clubs can support young people’s well-being and improve their life prospects.

Are you interested in attending another one of Access Sport’s Inclusive Sports Festivals?

To find out more about inclusive sport in London and our upcoming festivals and events please email:
[email protected]