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Sense Active launch Sensory Football

Sense Active has launched a new programme aiming to improve the quality of football provision for people with complex disabilities, supported by County FAs and Football Club Community Organisations. The programme reimagines the way activities are delivered to help ensure the benefits and outcomes gained from playing football can be achieved by people with complex disabilities.

A man using a wheelchair propelling a multi-coloured ball with his hands, as a woman encourages close by.

The Sensory Football programme includes a practical training workshop, local mentoring, a downloadable toolkit and on-demand videos. The programme aims to help provide an understanding on why and when Sensory Football is needed and how to deliver, plan and evaluate Sensory Football activities with a person-centred approach.

It is aimed at those supporting people with complex disabilities to be active including football coaches, care workers, teachers or family members. The programme is designed to be used as part of football clubs provision, in educational settings, disability support services or at home.

Callan Barber, Sport & Physical Activity Manager at Sense, said:

“We know through our work with people with complex disabilities, that the number and complexity of rules and tactics within football, as well as its physical and cognitive demands, make it challenging for someone who requires a lot of support to engage with.
By adapting the approach to delivery and focusing on more appropriate sensory-based activities, we have created a pathway for people with complex needs to actively participate in football in a meaningful way, allowing them to enjoy the game in a way which meets their needs.”

Jasbir Batt, Football Development Officer - Birmingham Country Football Association, said:

“We're very aware there is a lack of suitable football activities for people with complex disabilities. We're excited to partner with Sense to support our local clubs develop new innovative programmes that will create more opportunities and greater engagement.”

Sensory Football in every county

Sense Active are aiming to develop a Sensory Football offer in every county of England, working with regional County FA’s to help upskill Professional Club Community Organisation’s workforce and embed Sensory Football into their local offer.

Training workshops are currently being planned and developed with County FAs such as Birmingham FA, Cambridgeshire FA and London FA and their respective regional Professional Club Community Organisations, ready for local Sensory Football delivery from February 2022.

Get involved: Free virtual training workshop

If you’re a County FA or Football Club Community Organisation interested in Sensory Football, attend Sense Active's virtual introduction to Sensory Football workshop

For more information, visit www.sense.org.uk/sensory-football or contact Louis Wickett-Padgham, Sense Sport & Physical Activity Development Manager on 07970 668825 or by emailing louis.wickett-padgham@sense.org.uk