The making of DS Eagles Glad All Over (and why we did it)

Since Glad All Over was first played over the tannoy at Selhurst Park in January 1964, the song has become synonymous with Crystal Palace, ringing out as the team enter the pitch and when they score. With this special cover version, the DS Eagles are cementing their own place in Crystal Palace history.

But why did they do it? In this documentary, we take a deep dive into what recording the song was like, hear from the Palace players involved and the coaches who make life-changing programmes for young people with disabilities happen.

The documentary offers a glimpse into DS GAME ON (partially funded by the Premier League and Professional Footballers Association), which is a year-long Palace for Life programme that helps people with Down’s Syndrome develop skills and confidence for employment and has supported the singers throughout the year.

The first year of DS GAME ON saw 15 participants try out roles in cooking, t-shirt design, caring, barista training and music, proving that given the opportunity, people with Down’s Syndrome can thrive in the workplace.

Throughout the documentary, we hear from Ben Perryman, our Disability Inclusion Coordinator, who speaks about his work with the DS Eagles. He speaks on the vital role our community work plays in building their confidence and supporting their development. Having worked here for five years now, Ben says he has “the best job in the world.”

We also heard from Keia Blake, our Education, Training and Employment Coordinator, who was the DS Eagles’ singing teacher and made an idea a reality in rehearsals.

Also featured is Tony Mullen, Senior Programmes Manager for Employment, who highlights the challenges people with Down’s Syndrome can face when seeking employment. He speaks on the important role employers can play in creating supportive opportunities by making small adjustments in the workplace.

Don’t miss the DS Eagles’ and Palace Women stars’ rendition of Wonderwall by Oasis, too. It’s a tearjerker.

While there is no specific data on how many people with Down’s Syndrome are in work, disability charity Mencap estimates that 65% of people with learning disabilities, Down’s Syndrome included, want to work, yet fewer than 20% are employed.

With Glad All Over, the DS Eagles are raising awareness, challenging outdated assumptions, and generating funds to support employment programmes for young people across south London

To donate to the campaign, please click here. Or to find out more about our GAME ON programme, click here. And for our DS Eagles, head here.