Welcome cash boost to aid young disability sport athletes in Southwark

By Hermia Rhodes

A charity which helps youngsters with disabilities into sport has received a cash boost of £15,000.

Disability Sports Coach (DSC) runs clubs for children who miss out on mainstream sports through disability – which includes those who are autistic or have learning disabilities as well as those with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and other complex needs.

A great many of those benefiting from DSC include those from the Elephant and Castle area.

The grant comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, funded by Freemasons, their families, and their friends.

Members are usually unable to access leisure centres and gyms unsupported, so DSC provides everyone with an opportunity to play.

Sessions of adapted sports by specialist coaches are taught, such as football, basketball, tennis, and cricket, alongside Paralympic sports such as Boccia.

In the past year, more than 300 children and young people were involved in the charity’s clubs and online events.

DSC works in deprived communities such as Southwark, Tower Hamlets and Hackney, and reaches people of diverse ethnic backgrounds.

The charity Activity Alliance has found that 61 per cent of disabled people feel more socially isolated after the pandemic and 46 per cent are less active due to mental health concerns.

Some 97 per cent of DSC members have reported increased confidence, 93 per cent increased happiness and a sense of feeling part of their community.

Rachael Woods from DSC said: “We’re very grateful to London Freemasons for their generous grant, which will enable us to engage more disabled children with sport across London.

“Our community sports clubs are a lifeline for disabled members – who would otherwise be locked out of sport. The funding will allow us to support disabled children in some of the most deprived areas of London to feel more confident and less lonely – all through the power of sport.”

Picture: Elephant and Castle Town Centre DSC