AFC Sudbury launches disability football sessions to expand accessibility

A new avenue for youngsters with disabilities to experience football has opened in Sudbury, as the town’s football club sets out a long-term ambition to form dedicated disability teams.

AFC Sudbury launched weekly disability football sessions for children aged between five and 11 in May, as part of the national Comets initiative established by the Football Association (FA).

Taking place at the club ground from 5pm to 6pm every Friday, the tailored events are aimed at anyone with a physical disability, as well as those with learning difficulties or developmental disorders, such as autism.

The programme is led by Mike Onslow, who took the role as AFC Sudbury’s head of disability and football inclusion last year, after the club identified a gap in opportunity for people with disabilities.

He subsequently secured grant funding from the Comets scheme to run the sessions free of charge, with different activities provided for those more interested in football, and those who simply wish to be active and socialise.

While the turnout has been fairly low to begin with, Mr Onslow said there are potentially thousands in the area who may find the sessions beneficial.

He cited data from the 2021 census, which indicated that 10.1 per cent of the Babergh population are considered “disabled under the Equality Act”, with day-to-day activities limited in some way.

“We know there are many children who could benefit from these sessions,” he told the Free Press. “Hopefully, we can get sessions going for adults as well.

“We know they are out there, so we want to provide an environment where people with disabilities can experience football.

“Often, they can feel excluded from mainstream football, whether intentionally or not.

“We have a team of coaches who volunteer their time, and we are really trying to gear the sessions towards everyone, and cater to different needs.

“In the short-term, we want to get these ad-hoc sessions going. Long-term, the goal is to have an AFC Sudbury disability football team that competes with others in the area.

“In five years, the idea is to have an adult and children’s disability team.”

For more details, go online to www.afcsudbury.co.uk.