Breaking Down Barriers
In 2021/22, EFL Clubs and Club Community Organisations engaged with over 840,000 individual participants in community-focused sessions and events.
Almost one in five of those people live with a disability, many of which are children and young people.
On International Day of Persons With Disability (December 3rd), Here are some stories of incredible young adults and youngsters, with the support of amazing community initiatives in EFL communities, who are excelling in the face of adversity.
Thomas’ National Success
Double amputee Thomas Atkinson uses his disability to inspire others in the community to follow in his path.
Thomas talks about his experience at Carlisle United Community Sport Trust and how his time there has helped shape him to become to the person he is today and play for the England Amputee Team.
“Being a student of the Carlisle United Community Education Programme was wildly beneficial for me,” Thomas said.
“I wasn’t just getting regular top level training sessions. I was learning about health and the way my body functions, which is so important.
“I was the only student with a disability, but I felt included every step of the way. Everyone was very supportive to help me achieve my goals.”
Thomas was referred to the England setup by the Cumberland FA after being spotted playing in various football camps, including Carlisle United’s soccer schools while he was a Community Sports Trust Football Development student at the Cumbrians.
As well as now being a coach at the Club Community Organisation, he has also managed to become a regular starter in goal for England Amputee Football, recently winning a Nations League competition in Poland, bringing back the team’s first major trophy in 30 years.
“Through my experiences as a community coach I know I have inspired people in their own way,” added Thomas.
“Whether it’s seeing a disabled person go on and succeed in sport. I feel a sense of pride when I am coaching, especially when young people have smiles on their faces during my sessions. It’s an amazing feeling to achieve.”
Thomas gives his advice to anybody facing challenges within the sports industry.
“The way you are is the way you are,” he added. “I was born with a disability and I can’t change that and you cannot change your situation, so your best move is to be grateful for what you have and do your best with what you can offer.
“I was born with one leg and I also have one arm. That doesn’t mean I can just sit back and watch everyone else and it doesn’t mean I can’t play. Everyone has their challenges; you just need to find your own way to overcome yours.”
Zac’s Journey
With his positive personality, Zac has brought his passion to every session and now aims to pursue a future in coaching.
At just 18 months old, Zac was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a lifelong condition that affects movement and co-ordination.
He became a Shrewsbury Town Foundation participant and joined ShrewsAbility in 2017. It was here that he found a passion for football and was able to play alongside other participants facing familiar challenges.
Zac joined the Foundation for a week of work experience in 2022, in which he got involved with different areas of the organisation from coaching to media.
One of the employment pathways the Foundation provide is their Coaches’ Academy, a programme that teaches 14 to 15-year-olds how to develop their coaching skills through both classroom and practical based learning.
Zac said: When I first joined ShrewsAbility I didn’t think I’d be able to participate in football, but they have me the opportunities to do something I didn’t think I’d be able to do.”
Jamie Edwards, CEO at Shrewsbury Town FC Foundation added: “What you see with Zac is about us getting him ready for employment which is what we’re doing across all our programmes is about providing that pathway into employment.”
Upon graduating from the programme, Zac wishes to join the Foundation’s College and University programme and achieve a coaching qualification.
Oscar’s Story
Young Oscar doesn’t let his disability get in the way of him staying active and having fun.
Whether its handball, dodgeball, cricket or football, Oscar – a double amputee – always has a smile on his face and loves taking part in physical activity.
Much of that enjoyment is down to the support he receives from Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust’s Ruby Jager who provides engaging and inclusive sessions for him.
Ruby, a Community Coach, spoke about what it is like to coach Oscar: “Not only has Oscar learnt about different ways to overcome his barrier and use it as an advantage, but he has also learnt what is healthy and unhealthy for his body.
“Oscar is a pleasure to teach and always gives everything a go. He always challenges himself and is not afraid to ask for help when he needs it. His friends are so encouraging of him, and he always has a smile on his face when he’s around them.”
Ruby added: “By schools having us coaches delivering different programmes, it allows kids to learn new sports, learn different skills, learn about healthy eating and frees up teachers’ times.”
Foundation help ‘role model’ Bryson
“If I hadn’t have gone to Phil’s sessions, I wouldn’t have been walking on my own.”
Bryson’s relationship with Cambridge United Foundation’s Phil Mullen has been lifechanging for the youngster who lives with cerebral palsy.
The 11-year-old started playing frame football at the Club Community Organisation when he was 4 years old and could not do independent steps at the time.
He has progressed from using a frame, to quad sticks, tripods and monopod sticks – now taking some steps without walking aids.
Much of this progression s down to the popular football-based sessions provided by Phil which helps participants who live with a disability.
The Foundation said Bryson is a fantastic role model to new participants joining the sessions and a shining example of how football can help improve coordination, agility and motor skills.
Bryson’s mother Ann said: “It’s just so lovely to see Bryson and Phil’s relationship because he trusts him completely.”
Bryson added: “My greatest achievement is walking and doing my sills with a size three ball now.”
