FOOTBALL FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME

Our Down Syndrome football programme offers children and young people the chance to enjoy football in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment.

Sessions are designed around ability and enjoyment, with a focus on confidence, movement, friendships and fun.

Every player is encouraged, involved and valued.

If your child loves being active or simply wants to try football, this is a space for them to belong.

WHAT IS OUR DOWN SYNDROME FOOTBALL PROGRAMME?

Sessions run every other Sunday on our all-weather pitch at Beechfarm Playing Fields (M27 9LS).

We hold two groups:
 • 10–11am for older players (around age 13+)
 • 11am–12pm for younger players (generally under 13)

These ages are a guide — we’ll place your child in the group that best suits their needs and confidence.

WHEN AND WHERE IS IT?

WHAT WE FOCUS ON

Football skills appropriate to each individual

Green checkmark inside a circle on a black background

Social interactions and friendships

Green checkmark inside a green circle on a black background.

Confidence and enjoyment


Green checkmark inside a circle on a black background.

Movement, coordination and physical development

Green checkmark inside a green circle on a black background.

Belonging, encouragement and achievement

Green checkmark inside a circle on a black background.

THE EXPERIENCE

Group of six boys standing outdoors on a sunny day, some wearing medals and sports kits, on an astro pitch with trees in the background.

Football should be fun. We aim for players to leave smiling, feeling proud and wanting to come back.

We aim for our sessions to-be:

  • Supportive and structured

  • Adapted to each player

  • Full of encouragement

  • Delivered in small groups with plenty of individual attention


Parents are welcome to stay and support, watch or take part in the session.

WHO CAN JOIN?

Children and adults participating in a soccer game or practice on a grass field, with orange, blue, and green cones set up for drills, and trees and a cloudy sky in the background.

Girls and boys of any age with Down Syndrome are welcome.

No football experience is needed — just a willingness to give it a go.

We welcome players with varying needs, energy levels and confidence.

Our coaches work with families to ensure each player feels comfortable and supported.

PARENT’S ROLE

Child in a blue and white sports jersey and shorts standing on a field, smiling and raising hands, with other children and adults in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Parents and carers are a vital part of this programme.

You know your child best, and your insight helps our coaching team shape sessions around individual needs.

We encourage an open conversation so we can understand what works best for your child.

READY TO JOIN?

You can attend a session to see if it’s right for your child. Get in touch to find out when the next session is.

We’ll meet you, learn a little about your child and welcome them into the group at their pace.

GET IN TOUCH

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • No. There’s no need to register in advance.

    Families can simply turn up and take part. On your first visit, the coach will take a few basic details so we can make sure everyone is included safely and added to the relevant communication group.

    This group is designed to be:

    • welcoming

    • low-pressure

    • accessible

    If your child wants to take part, that’s enough to get started.

    If you have any specific needs or questions beforehand, you’re welcome to contact the club, but registration is not required before attending.

  • Yes. Family members are welcome to stay and watch.

    Parents, carers, and siblings can remain nearby throughout the session. This helps children feel:

    • safe

    • supported

    • comfortable in a new environment

    There’s no expectation that children are dropped off or left alone. Stay as close as your child needs you to be.

    The focus is on creating a relaxed, inclusive space where children can enjoy football in their own way, with the reassurance that familiar faces are close by.

  • Yes. Absolutely.

    The session is designed to be fully inclusive and beginner-friendly. There’s no expectation of prior football experience, and activities are adapted so everyone can take part at their own pace.

    Some children may be:

    • kicking a ball for the first time

    • learning how to move and play in a group

    • building confidence before skills

    That’s expected. Coaches focus on:

    • fun and engagement

    • simple activities

    • encouragement rather than instruction overload

    If your child is new to football, this is exactly the right place to start.

  • If the weather is particularly bad and conditions aren’t safe or enjoyable, the session may be cancelled. This includes heavy rain, strong winds, or anything that would make the experience unpleasant or unsafe.

    If a session is cancelled, this will be communicated clearly via the WhatsApp group as early as possible.

    If you haven’t heard otherwise, the session is going ahead.