The New Croft Foundation kicks off inclusive football sessions for children at The Arch, a specialist education hub located within Castle Manor Academy and SEND students from their mainstream provision.
This program is designed to provide children with special educational needs and physical disabilities the chance to enjoy football in a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment.
The tailored football-based programme engages 10-15 children weekly at Castle Manor emphasising inclusivity and fun. The programme aims to make football accessible to all children, regardless of their learning needs or physical disabilities and encourages a sense of belonging and teamwork.
Rhys Shulver, the Football Development Officer at The New Croft Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm for the programme, stating, "Seeing the children enjoying football with a smile on their faces is magical! We have seen individuals improving every week both within a football capacity and in confidence."
The sessions focus on more than just physical activity; they serve as a catalyst for developing social and team skills. The coaches ensure that each child has an equal opportunity to participate, creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. For some children, this is their first experience playing football, and it has quickly become a highlight of their week.”
The programme has not only improved the children's football skills but also significantly boosted their confidence and engagement with others. By participating in regular football sessions, the children have learned to work together, communicate effectively, and celebrate each other's successes, this culminated in what was many of the children’s first-ever official match, vs students Churchill Free School at The New Croft.
Paul Gardiner, Deputy SENDCo at Castle Manor stated “These sessions have been invaluable to the students and have been the cause of great excitement every week.
It has given students opportunities to have dedicated coaching tailored to their needs and has created a real sense of inclusion with them getting to pull on the school kit for the first time. We are hugely grateful to Rhys, Lois and Kev from The New Croft Foundation for their time and efforts in putting on such engaging and inclusive sessions for the students".
