Over 300 children with disabilities will get the opportunity to play football thanks to South Wales Freemasons

More than 300 children with disabilities will get the opportunity to play football thanks to a grant from South Wales Freemasons to Cardiff City FC Community Foundation.

The £59,000 grant will fund the re-launch of their improved Inclusive Football programme designed to support children and young people aged 5-16 with disabilities or impairments. This initiative aims to use the power of football to improve health and wellbeing, build stronger communities, and provide inclusive opportunities for physical activity.

A recent Sport Wales Survey highlighted a significant disparity in physical activity levels, with 42 per cent of children with disabilities engaging in no frequent activity compared to 35 per cent of their non-disabled peers. Recognising the vital role of physical activity in enhancing social and emotional wellbeing, Cardiff City FC Community Foundation’s new programme seeks to address this gap.

The Inclusive Football Programme will offer weekly, free football sessions for children and young people aged 5-16 with disabilities or impairments. These sessions will be divided into two age groups: 5-11 for primary school children and 12-16 for secondary school students. Each session will last one hour and will be available during term time for 30 weeks each year, providing consistent and accessible opportunities for participation.

Additionally, the programme will include specialised Powerchair Football Sessions for children and young people who require powerchairs for sports activities. Cardiff City FC Community Foundation is one of only two organisations in Wales offering such sessions. These weekly sessions will also be available during term time for 30 weeks each year, empowering individuals with mobility limitations to engage in physical activity and experience the benefits of sports participation.

To further support children and young people with disabilities, the Community Foundation will host Sensory Room Visits & Sessions. One day a week, the Sensory Room will be available for school, group, or individual bookings, managed by Cardiff City Community Foundation staff. These sessions, designed to be accessible and supportive, will be available for 30 weeks each year, offering a unique and beneficial environment for participants.

All sessions are provided free of charge, acknowledging the additional financial pressures faced by families with disabled children. These families are often disproportionately affected by the cost of living crisis, incurring extra costs of approximately £875 to reach the same living standards as non-disabled families.

Survey results from past beneficiaries with disabilities show that 80 per cent have been inspired to be more active, 100 per cent felt a sense of connection with other beneficiaries during sessions, and 92 per cent reported improved wellbeing from participating in the sessions.

Cardiff City FC Community Foundation is the official charity of Cardiff City Football Club. Their aim is to change lives and transform communities by providing a supportive network that encourages growth, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging. They help support children, young people, and adults from across South Wales to address inequalities and help them achieve their full potential.

The grant from South Wales Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, funded by Freemasons, their families and their friends from across England, Wales and the Channel Islands.

Zac Lyndon-Jones, Head of Community & Development at Cardiff City FC Community Foundation said:

“Thanks to the generous support from South Wales Freemasons we’ll continue our outreach to disabled children in our area. We understand the power of football and how it can build a sense of connection in a group that is often left behind, whilst encouraging them to be more active.

Robert Payne from South Wales Freemasons said:

“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to support Cardiff City FC Community Foundation and the fantastic work they do to help young people with disabilities through football. Making the game accessible to all is a major challenge and the Inclusive Football Programme allows young people to make friends, gain confidence and reach their potential.”