Young people with special educational needs and disabilities supported in accessing fun sporting activities throughout summer holidays

Bridge JFC & Your Trust have recently forged a new partnership to support young people with SEND to access fun-based sporting activities in the summer holidays

Young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have been supported to enjoy fun sporting activities throughout the summer holidays, thanks to a new partnership between Bridge Junior Football Club and Your Trust.

Participants aged between 11 and 18 have been enjoying both football and lake-based activities on Mondays and Fridays from 10am to 3pm throughout the summer holidays.

Activities on a Monday are mainly football-based with drills, skills and fun activities at Bridge’s ground in Bamford, whilst Friday activities, including kayaking and waterboarding, take place at Hollingworth Lake, before an afternoon of games and socialising at the sailing club.

Water-based activities are staffed by fully qualified instructors and the last session will take place on Friday 1 September.

Garry Smith, BridgeAbility coordinator and lead coach, said: “It’s a great chance for all to come and just enjoy and have fun, either at a football and general sports-themed day on Mondays, or come to an ‘on the water’ fun filled day at Hollingworth Lake.

“Bridge players make up a large number of the participants and it’s great to see everyone just enjoying sport and socialising.

Bridge JFC has around 28 teams currently, with four of its SEND BridgeAbility teams registered with the Lancashire FA.

BridgeAbility currently consists of players aged 14 to 35 who have conditions such as Down's syndrome and cerebral palsy, although anyone aged 11+ with a disability or additional needs is welcome to join. There is no upper age limit for players.

BridgeAbility training sessions take place from 5pm-6pm at Hopwood Hall College in Middleton on Monday evenings. Summer sessions are held at Bridge Junior Football Club’s ground in Bamford.

If you’re interested in volunteering or taking part in a session, please email Garry Smith gazzasmiff58@gmail.com or text him on 07918 176917.