How five-year-old Ava fell in love with football
Our inclusive football sessions are helping Ava, who has Down’s syndrome, build confidence and enjoy the game she loves.
When five-year-old Ava, who has Down’s Syndrome, first joined our Junior Pan-Disability Football sessions, which offer free weekly football for young people with a range of disabilities, she was a little unsure of what to expect. A few months later, she’s full of confidence; dribbling, passing and joining in with the group every week. Football has quickly become her favourite part of the week.
Due to her diagnosis, Ava would find it challenging to access a mainstream football club, where the pace of learning and the complexity of the game can be overwhelming. This adapted football session is crucial in allowing her to develop both her skills and confidence in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Her mum, Hannah, says the sessions have opened up a world that once felt out of reach since she joined summer of this year:
“Ava has a deep passion for football, and these sessions give her the chance to be part of a club that nurtures her love for the game while adapting to her individual needs.
It offers a safe, non-judgmental space where Ava can thrive, feel accepted, and grow her love for the sport at her own pace with the right support.”
Ava and her Coach, Michael
Session coach and Disability Manager Michael Harrington has seen that growth first-hand:
“Ava is a very energetic and lively member of our group who loves one-to-one time with our coaches, working on her football skills while focusing on the ABC fundamentals of movement – agility, balance and coordination.
Over the past month, she’s improved her ball control, passing accuracy, and communication with other players and coaches. Ava’s a popular member of the group, and every week she leaves us all smiling…and slightly out of breath.”
These free weekly sessions, held at Waddon Leisure Centre, run in partnership with Croydon Council’s Sports Development Team, are open to children aged 5–8 with a disability or additional challenges who live or go to school in the Croydon area.
Once they reach 8 years old, children with Down’s Syndrome can then join our Down’s Syndrome Eagles training sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays in Croydon and Bromley respectively!
To find out more about our inclusive Disability sessions, email disability@palaceforlife.org.