Project
South London Special League (London)
Grant amount
£124,547
website
www.slsl.co.uk
project summary
South London Special League (SLSL) strives to help young players with special needs to enjoy sport
whatever their level of ability. Every individual is valued for their contribution to the game. SLSL celebrates the notion of Fairplay and rewards through values of honesty, integrity and fairness. People can compete together notwithstanding age gender or individual mobility needs.
what was the grant spent on?
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allowing young people to gain experience in working with people with special needs in coaching and event
organisation.
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giving opportunities to people with special needs to improve their lives, increase fitness and physical activity levels, raise confidence and self esteem by providing access to football.
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significantly increased participation in all ages and abilities through increased community involvement.
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offering sporting qualifications and link to volunteering and employment
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successfully introducing and developing our Powerlchair Football initiative in partnership with Greenwich Council
What are the long term benefits of the project on the community?
At a time when the nation’s health is a huge issue, our players are only too pleased to be given the opportunity of sport and exercise and the benefits of healthy living. For them, in particular, we offer not only access to a healthier lifestyle, but the broadening of horizons, meeting new people, new experiences and in turn increased knowledge and understanding of the world. These are things we may take for granted, but with a learning difficulty and possibly with communication difficulties, it is hard to escape the mundane world of everyday routine.
Tell us about the positive affect on individuals
Darren Thomas, who has learning difficulties, is a great of example of the impact the SLSL can have. With support from the SLSL Team he recently achieved his FA Level 1 coaching badge.
How has the Foundation's funding made a significant positive difference?
Increased participation, motivation and behavioural levels has improved in 10% of our players (this has been noted through performance indicator forms which are filled in after every event).
There has also been improved health and physical activity levels in up to 15% of players (we have monitored these levels over the last two years in a random sample of children and adults in partnership with schools and day centres).
quotes
Name: Paul Elliott MBE
Position: Patron of Couth London Special League
"The South London Special League celebrates true social inclusion into sport. Over the years they have enabled people to play who have who have been excluded either because of their special needs or because of other people's prejudices. They have helped to break down the barriers that exist tin the community, working towards the legacy of 2012 being one of increased participation. By sharing their vision, we can all enjoy the power of the Game and the values of joy in winning, honour in defeat and respect for everyone."
Name: Darren
Position: Participant
"I practice my coaching here every week and will soon be helping other young people improve their football. For me it's all about enjoyment and learning more skills."
Name: Alan
Position: Councillor
"I feel very humbled when I come to support events organised by SLSL."
Name: Joshua, 11
Position: Participant
"It's great feeling that I'm really part of something."
