Families’ Stories
Having fun as a family, in a community, through sport is something most people take for granted: making friends, cheering on their team, celebrating together.
Involving a neurodiverse child in a typical sports activity can be so difficult that families give up. Action-attainment founder and CEO Sam Silver’s experiences led her to design On the Ball.
Sam approached Brentford FC CST with a plan for a child focussed sports programme. Working in partnership with occupational therapists we adapted coaching for football, golf, tennis, paddleboard and kayaking in a way that families could play together successfully.
As a result our modified sports programmes have helped 100s of families find fun, friendship and skills for life.
Parents
This is our safe space. We have done other out of school activities, not SEN focussed, that have been stressful for our family. Inclusive isn’t happening elsewhere. From the Saturday sports drills with her dad, our daughter has progressed to visiting a Brentford FC match in the sensory room. They have a shared interest. It’s so great to see them sharing that passion.
Young Person
When I started On the Ball I felt anxious. I didn’t know anything about football or enjoy ball games. The coaches, Chris and Tom are kind. They let me be the traffic controller. I liked telling people when to stop and start. Now I like kicking footballs. Mummy and me play foxes and rabbits when we go out on our own too. I want to paddleboard and kayak next. When I grow up I want to be a scientist and drive a hovercraft.
Sibling
I loved On the Ball when I went with my big brother. I could join in with him, my mum and my dad if I wanted. Just like my brother, I got a certificate saying what I did well. At On the Ball our whole family could have fun, play games and not worry about things going wrong and having to leave early.