The London Freemasons’ Charity has awarded a grant of £15,000 to the charity Disability Sports Coach, to support the work they do running community sports clubs in London for children who are otherwise excluded from participating in sport. 

W Bro Mark Russell reports

The national charity, Activity Alliance, has identified a widening gap in wellbeing among disabled people following the pandemic and found that 46% of disabled individuals are less active due to mental health concerns. 61% feel more socially isolated.

Disability Sports Coach works in some of London’s most deprived communities to provide sports clubs; allowing children with a wide range of conditions such as Down’s Syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism and learning difficulties to participate in sporting activities. These children are unable to access gyms and sports centres unsupported, but Disability Sports Coach breaks down the barriers to sport so that everyone can play.

Participants take part in multi-sport sessions run by specialist coaches who adapt sports for members; allowing them to play football, basketball, tennis and cricket, alongside Paralympic sports such as Boccia, Sitting Volleyball and Goalball.

With 14 award winning sports clubs across London, Disability Sports Coach recently collected a Uniting London Award from London Sport. The charity recently opened the first girls-only club in North London, too.

The qualified and experienced coaches also work with schools, allowing them to introduce new, inclusive sports into their timetable. The coaches work alongside teachers and teaching assistants to support them in making their sessions inclusive.

In the last year, more than 300 children and young people have engaged in Disability Sports Coach’s clubs and online events. Since joining, 97% of members report increased confidence; 93% feel happier and better at socialising and 93% feel a part of their community.

Grace has Down’s Syndrome. Her mother says, “Before Disability Sports Coach’s local club there was not a sports session suitable for Grace. Her physical improvements have been amazing to see since she started attending the club.”

Another parent said of her son, “His concentration to do things at home and college has improved so much since joining the club. He’ll now listen and is able to do tasks for longer periods of time. He is able to get out and do more – I have started to take him to swimming lessons. We’ve definitely bonded more thanks to Disability Sports Coach.”

Rachael Woods from Disability Sports Coach says, “We’re very grateful to London Freemasons for their generous grant. This will enable us to engage more disabled children with sport across London. Our community sports clubs are a lifeline for members who would otherwise be locked out of sport. The funding will allow us to support children with disabilities in some of the most deprived areas of London to feel more confident and less lonely, all through the power of sport.”

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 55 Summer 2024 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 55 here.