How the DS Eagles & GAME ON helped Thomas gain employment and discover his passion

Thomas, a long-term member of our Down’s Syndrome Eagles squad, recently graduated our DS GAME ON programme, a testament to his progress and determination whilst working with us.

Thomas, also a lifelong Palace fan, joined the DS Eagles more than 10 years ago, where he has progressed from a player to someone who supports the coaches, and in that time completed his FA Level 1 coaching badge.

Thomas pictured with Eberechi Eze during a training ground visit in 2022.

This was completed alongside Thomas’s day job, where he works in the city as a receptionist and general office assistant. This role has helped improve his communication and every day he picks up new skills, from delivering post to watering plants – keeping the office ticking over

Thomas’s mum, Jessica, remarked that the biggest change throughout these 10 years is the change in his confidence, stemming from the start of his DS Eagles involvement where he learnt to dribble the football and tackle opponents.

Thomas pictured with Julian Speroni at a DS Eagles session in 2023.

Last year, the DS Eagles were invited to participate in DS GAME ON, a version of our flagship employment programme, GAME ON, which was specifically designed for young people with Down’s Syndrome, providing them with new skills with the aim of getting them ready for the world of work. Our regular GAME ON programme is a six-week course that offers the guidance, training and practical skills needed to help young people take the next steps in their career. The programmes often culminate in certifications which help to improve young people’s employability.

Thomas, alongside other members of the DS Eagles, took part in DS GAME ON throughout 2024. The brand-new programme was partially funded by the Premier League and Professional Footballers Association. They trained as baristas, explored careers in caring and cooking, and even recorded and produced their own version of Glad All Over.

Thomas speaking at the DS Eagles Glad All Over Premiere Event.

As part of DS GAME ON, Thomas spent a day taking orders in a café, something he or his mum never expected him to do! Jessica said “Thomas was helping people take orders for cups of coffee when they ran the shop. Seeing that sense of achievement of getting the orders right and making the coffees. By the end of the day, he was encouraging people in the street to go into the café!”

Alongside being baristas for the day, Thomas and the DS Eagles also took on pizza making. Jessica pointed out that “Thomas had shown lots of interest in things, but cooking was one of those that she thought would be extra interesting.” Then when she saw Thomas putting together the pizza, she thought “Wow, this is something Thomas is really good at”, one reason why the DS Eagles were invited to participate in DS GAME ON: to identify their strengths

We are so proud of Thomas’s hard work and dedication, and we’re pleased to share he is now completing his Level 2 Catering qualification at college!

Tony, Education, Training and Employability Manager at Palace for Life, said “He’s done great since he started the programme. I can see that he’s built on his confidence, I can see that he’s got more independence, his life skills have improved. Thomas brought a lot of qualities anyway, but he is a shining example of someone who’s got Down’s Syndrome who can do great, great things.”

Jessica said “I remember turning to another mum and saying [DS Eagles] is too good to be true. But it wasn’t. It really was everything they said it would be. And that doesn’t happen often in life, does it?”

Thomas at the Crystal Palace F.C. Christmas retail shoot.

Pass it forward this Giving Tuesday to more young people like Thomas.

Find out more about our disability sport here.

Find out more about our GAME ON programme here.