"One of the kids asked if we could do this every day." – Teacher

Together with Bankside Open Space Trust, last week we delivered a two-day SEND Multi-Sport Festival at Marlborough Sports Garden.

The festival brought inclusive community sport to the heart of London, welcoming 87 participants from 10 local schools to try out a range of activities, including:

• Group warm up delivered by Junior Parkrun
• Football and multi-sport activities delivered by Ballers Academy
• Volleyball delivered by Side Out
• Boccia delivered by Disability Sports Coach
• Cricket delivered by Surrey Cricket Foundation

The event was delivered over two days, welcoming 44 secondary school pupils on Wednesday, 20 May and 43 primary school pupils on Thursday 21 May, creating two vibrant and memorable days.

The festival was carefully designed to create an inclusive and welcoming environment, ensuring every young person could take part, feel supported and enjoy the activities on offer. All activities were adapted to meet a range of needs, allowing all participants to engage confidently.

A teacher from one of the schools who attended the event, shared:

"We really enjoy coming to these events, they are really well organised. Everyone has really enjoyed themselves and all the coaches have been amazing"

For many of the young people attending, it was their first time trying some of the sports on offer. For others, it was their first time feeling sand beneath their feet, making the experience particularly special and memorable.

Spaces like Marlborough Sports Garden are incredibly unique, and with all participating schools based locally, it provided a valuable opportunity to connect young people with inclusive sport on their doorstep. Participants were signposted to accessible sessions taking place weekly and at weekends, helping to ensure their participation continues beyond the festival.

Across both days, the atmosphere was filled with excitement, laughter and a strong sense of community. Participants embraced the opportunity to try new sports and build confidence in a positive and supportive setting.

The festival highlighted the power of inclusive sport to break down barriers, create meaningful opportunities and bring young people together, regardless of ability or background.

Sophie Epsley, Access Sport Programme Leader, shared:

We really value our partnership with Bankside Open Spaces Trust and are delighted this year’s schools’ event was a success. It was great to see so many young people try different activities in a fun and inclusive space and get to know what’s happening in their local community.

Jack Harrison, Head of Sport and Development, Bankside Open Space Trust, shared:

"At Marlborough Sports Garden, we believe sport should be accessible to everyone. Seeing children and young people take part with such enthusiasm, determination and joy over the two festival days reminded us why inclusive opportunities matter. Working alongside our delivery partner Access Sport, the SEND Sports Festival demonstrated what can be achieved when schools, partners and communities come together to ensure every child has the chance to participate, thrive and experience success through sport."

To see photos and highlights from the day, click the link below.

BOST Multi-Sport Festival >

Photography Credit: Sebastian Garraway