DS Eagles join Palace first-team for the 2025/26 squad photos
There was a heart warming scene at Selhurst Park as members of the Down’s Syndrome Eagles joined the Palace Men’s first team for this season’s official squad photo.
For this season’s Crystal Palace F.C. squad photo, the club invited the Down’s Syndrome Eagles team to join them for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, meeting the men’s first team and taking part in the official squad photo.
Upon arrival, each member of the DS Eagles was presented with their very own 2025/26 home shirt to wear for the occasion as well as a personal thank you note from Manager Oliver Glasner. The team then walked out onto the pitch, where they were greeted by the Palace first team for a heart warming group photo (see below).
DSS Eagles photo with players during the Crystal Palace Team Photocall at Selhurst Park, London on 25 September 2025 (Photo:Phil Mingo/PPAUK)
Who are the DS Eagles?
We’re really proud that we are able to support south Londoners with Down’s Syndrome all year round thanks to our DS Eagles football sessions. Our weekly sessions have been running since 2014, and since then, they have grown and grown.
See below behind the scenes action of the DS Eagles getting to know the Palace Men’s First Team.
We invited the incredible @PalaceForLife Down’s Syndrome Eagles to join the squad photoshoot 🥹 pic.twitter.com/EXYosu4hl1
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) October 6, 2025
Why are the DS Eagles wearing odd socks?
Down’s Syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects around 1 in every 1,000 babies born in the UK. It occurs when there is an extra copy of chromosome 21, leading to changes in how the body and brain develop.
People with Down’s Syndrome will have some level of learning disability, some will be more independent and do things like get a job, whereas others might need more regular care.
The DS Eagles proudly wear odd socks, a simple but powerful way to spark conversations about Down’s Syndrome. The tradition began with World Down’s Syndrome Day, when people wear odd socks to raise awareness and celebrate inclusion.
The day is held on the the 21st day of the third month (21st March), symbolising the triplication of the 21st chromosome, the genetic difference that causes Down’s Syndrome.
How can I find out more about Palace for Life’s Down’s Syndrome sessions?
Our weekly sessions are based in Croydon and Beckenham and take place indoors. Sessions focus on skills such as passing, dribbling, and shooting, and improving the fundamentals of agility, balance, and coordination. There are also opportunities to play for the DS Eagles in friendly games and at National Festivals.
Weekly sessions are open to both boys and girls aged 8 and above and take place at the below locations:
- Every Tuesday between 17:00 and 18:00 at Kent County Cricket Club, Worsley Bridge Road, Beckenham (BR3 1DR) – 6 – 14 year olds
- Every Wednesday between 18:00 – 19:00 at Monks Hill Sports Centre (CR2 8HD) – 14- 25 year olds
Want to book? Email the DS Eagles lead coach, Ben at: benperryman@palaceforlife.org
How can I support the DS Eagles?
We’re really grateful for the generosity of our supporters and appreciate any donations. With your contributions, we can reach even more young south Londoners and help to give them the right tools to succeed.
If you would like to support our work, like the DS Eagles, please head here.