Disability Sport: Michael Harrington’s season in review and what’s in store next

Michael Harrington has been leading Disability Sport at Palace for Life since 2004, having built the programme from scratch. Over the years he’s launched Powerchair football, Down’s Syndrome football, sessions for people with visual impairments, learning disabilities and mental health conditions.

Michael was awarded with the ‘One Of Our Own’ award in 2023 to recognise his exceptional contributions to the South London community

He’s coached on the pitch, managed things behind the scenes and helped thousands of people with disabilities across South London get into sport.

In another successful season for his department, he reflects on some successes.

Since September, we’ve worked with 964 disabled participants, that’s 30% above our annual target. These young people and adults have come to us primarily through schools, specialist sessions, festivals and events. Some are part of SEND school sessions, others in mainstream settings, some join our impairment-specific activities and many take part in our pan-disability sessions. That mix is what makes this work so exciting.

This year saw us launch taster sessions in five new schools across Croydon, Bromley and Sutton – with more than 100 young people getting a first taste of what our inclusive sport programmes can offer. We’re now looking to bring at least two of those schools on board permanently next year.

Our DS GAME ON employment programme for young adults with Down’s Syndrome has continued to grow. We launched a second cohort for 13 young people aged 17 to 26, and what’s especially encouraging is that four of our graduates from the first group are now mentoring the next. and working towards becoming Palace for Life volunteers.

A group from our first cohort recorded a cover of Glad All Over which was released this year, shortly before our trip to Wembley for the FA Cup Final. We were all so pleased to see they got recognition on both ITV News and BBC Radio London – where the track got its debut radio play

Holiday camps have also gone from strength to strength. Addington Valley Academy’s Easter SEND camp was near capacity, with 99 bookings and 88 daily attendances across four days, which are exceptional numbers for a specialist setting.

Being so connected to Palace, we always try and give our participants memorable experiences on top of their regular sessions. This year:

• 4 different groups from 4 different SEND Schools got the chance to watch a Palace game at Selhurst Park
• Four of our adult mental health players were at Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final, with one receiving a Cup Final ticket as a thank you for his support to others.
• A joint group of mental health participants and those in our employment programmes played an 11-a-side match at Selhurst Park.

Our elite PAN disability team reached the final of the Hackney Marshes Inclusion Festival. And our powerchair footballers have been better supported too, our Community Support Fund covered assisted transport and we purchased a hoist so players can safely transfer to sports chairs.

We’ve also seen a boost in volunteering. One of our first disability volunteers completed a full 10-hour placement, supporting delivery sessions, a sign of what’s possible when we make pathways accessible and shows testament to our continued work with our employment team to create pathways into education, training and employment for people with disabilities.

Across everything, we’ve tried to ensure our participants feel part of something bigger. Whether that’s joining in training ground visits, meeting Palace players or just enjoying a day at the stadium with friends and family, I really felt a strong sense of belonging last season.

A group from a local SEND school got the chance to watch the first team train

None of this happens without a team effort though: coaches, teachers, carers, parents and of course the young people and adults who come through our doors with energy and enthusiasm have all shown excellent commitment to our aims.

Looking ahead, we’ve still got work to do. Next year, we’ll be looking to grow our presence in mainstream schools to make sure disabled young people are fully included in sport. We’re also looking to expand our camps and clubs, especially in areas like Bromley where there’s clear demand. And we want to build more progression routes, so whether someone joins us at five or 25, there’s always a way to stay involved, as a player, a volunteer or even a coach.

Thank you to everyone who’s been part of it.

Michael Harrington, Disability Manager