On Tuesday, 27th February, the Gloucestershire FA hosted a Journey to Inclusion workshop for Clubs looking to help grow the Disability game.

The workshop enjoyed superb support from grassroots football, with over 20 Clubs turning up to learn about the Disability Pathway. We teamed up with our colleagues at Herefordshire FA and Shropshire FA to deliver this event, meaning that our doors were open to Clubs from across the region. Some may have had fledgling Disability provisions already, some may have been totally new to the Disability game – but all learned how they could apply existing skills to increase their offering and provide new opportunities for all.

“The aim was to inspire confidence in our volunteers,” said Hattie Tidwell, GFA Football Development Officer (Disability Pathway). “Running Disability football really isn’t so different from the mainstream game, and this was about helping them to recognise that. Clubs already have everything they need to grow the pathway, all we are doing is giving them that spark to get out and do it.”

Specifically, the session explored:

• What is meant by disability, and how this relates to Disability Football
• How to be person centred and effectively communicate with disabled people
• Planning the next steps in creating more opportunities for disabled people to participate on, and off the pitch

Interactive games and activities covered topics such as inclusive language, common misconceptions, the Disability pathway, barriers to participation and plenty more.

“I found it really useful, it exceeded my expectations,” said one participant, who found it particularly valuable to hear about potential funding opportunities. There was praise too for the enthusiasm of the presenters and the networking opportunities on offer.

Hattie: “The GFA would like to thank all the volunteers who attended and made this such a brilliant evening. I can’t wait to see the progress you all make off the back of this event.”

Hattie is available via email for ongoing support or any questions you might have about Disability Football: Harriet.Tidwell@GloucestershireFA.com