That is an approach which Wolves Foundation pursue all the year around on the different projects delivered for people with learning disabilities.
These projects are extensive and varied, including Yo! Active SEND sessions, funded by the City of Wolverhampton Council, with sessions open to individuals up to the age of 25 with special educational needs and disabilities living in WV postcode areas. The Foundation also currently offer SEND football sessions for children aged 6 to 10.
Wolves Disability FC offers so many opportunities for young players.
The Foundation also deliver an Active Through Football, supported by the Football Foundation, offering a variety of inclusive sports activities for individuals aged 18 and over. These include Pan-Disability Football, SEND Sports Sessions, Pan-Disability Kabaddi, Rockspur Disability Football and Highflyers Disability Football.
There is also a Sporting Chances project, delivered thanks to investment from the National Lottery Community Fund, in which staff lead on a wide range of SEND football sessions across community hubs, leisure centres, and schools.
And then, continuing to grow in popularity, is Wolves Disability FC, the club which runs eight teams at adult, Under-16 and Under-12 levels as well as weekly training sessions and an additional session for players who are keen to play just for fun.
“For many years, organising projects for people with learning disabilities has formed a key part of Wolves Foundation’s delivery, and that is something we are very proud of,” says the Foundation’s Community Sport Manager Hope Bourton.
“We believe that football and other activities should be as inclusive as possible for participants of all ages and abilities, and that everyone should have access to a sport that they enjoy.
“We also aim to provide a variety of opportunities both with sessions that are designed purely for fun, and then a more competitive element which players can find if they progress through to the hugely successful Wolves Disability FC.
“Making sure that participants are seen, heard, included and valued is of paramount importance, and something which deserves to be highlighted during Learning Disability Week, but is one of the pillars of our delivery all the year around.”
Wolves Disability FC have just come to the end of another successful season not just in terms of participation but also winning several trophies.
“We are continuing to grow as an overall squad, and offering people opportunities to play football which otherwise they would not receive,” adds Gavin Jones, Senior Disability Sport Officer who oversees the Foundation’s Disability football set-up.
“We often get feedback from parents that, without the Foundation, their children just wouldn’t know what to do.
“We have won some trophies again this season and it’s always nice to win and give people the opportunity to achieve something and make memories.
“But it is also about much more than that in terms of being a part of something and having a sense of belonging.
“There is a team spirit and togetherness and a culture where everyone is always happy to see other people succeeding.”
And that will be on show at Molineux this weekend when Disability FC enjoy their end-of-season presentation evening.
* Anyone interested in any of the above projects can contact Hope at hopebourton@wolves.co.uk