Sport Ability logo Sport Ability
Inclusive sport for kids · Wales

Every child in Wales deserves to play.

Accessible, properly supported sport for children with physical, intellectual and behavioural challenges. Built around ability, not limitation.

Support a child to play See how it works
Ages 5–16 Multi-sport & adaptive Small, supported sessions
Children and families on an athletics track, including a young wheelchair athlete, at a Sport Ability session
5–16
Designed for Children of all abilities
The need in Wales

Children with additional needs face real barriers to sport.

For too many children, the door to physical activity simply isn't open. The reasons stack up. Without targeted, inclusive provision, the gap only widens over time.

Limited provision

Few inclusive options exist in mainstream settings, and coaches are rarely equipped to support diverse needs.

Cost & equipment

Financial pressure on families and a shortage of adaptive equipment keep children on the sidelines.

Stigma & confidence

Social stigma and low confidence push children towards inactivity and lower self-esteem.

Without inclusive provision, children with additional needs are far more likely to miss out on the health, friendships and confidence sport brings.

What we do

Structured programmes built around ability, not limitation.

Sport Ability runs adapted, multi-sport sessions where success is measured for each child individually, because it looks different for everyone.

01

Small group, supported sessions

Low ratios so every child gets the attention and pace they need.

02

Adapted multi-sport programmes

A range of dynamic, ability-specific sports and activities to explore.

03

Specialist equipment & accessible venues

The right kit and the right spaces, so the setting is never the barrier.

04

Behaviour-informed coaching

Coaches trained to support emotional regulation and new experiences safely.

05

Flexible participation pathways

Children move at their own pace, with routes towards mainstream or community sport.

Every session focuses on

  • Skill development in ability-specific sports
  • Confidence building and personal growth
  • Social interaction for children, parents and carers
  • Emotional regulation through safeguarded sport
  • Physical wellbeing and development
In action

What inclusive sport really looks like.

Young people playing wheelchair basketball in a sports hall
Wheelchair basketballCompetitive, fast and fully inclusive team sport.
A coach guiding a young child catching a ball during a session
One-to-one coachingPatient, supported skill-building at the child's pace.
Children and families gathered on an athletics track
Track & field daysWhole-family events where everyone takes part.
Outcomes & impact

Change that builds, session after session.

Progress is measured individually, but the direction is the same: more confident kids, better health outcomes, a more inclusive Wales.

S

Short term

  • More regular physical activity
  • Improved confidence and self-esteem
  • Stronger social skills and peer interaction
  • Less anxiety around taking part
M

Medium term

  • Better physical health indicators
  • Greater independence and resilience
  • Stronger family support networks
  • Transition into mainstream or community sport
L

Long term

  • Reduced health inequalities
  • Greater social inclusion
  • Sustainable inclusive sport in Wales
  • A cultural shift towards equality in sport
Who it's for

Children first. And the people around them.

Our primary beneficiaries

Children aged 5–16 across Wales, of every ability.

Physical disabilitiesAdaptive sport, specialist equipment, accessible venues
Intellectual & developmental differencesSessions paced for how each child learns and plays
Behavioural & emotional challengesBehaviour-informed coaching in a safeguarded space

And the wider community

Inclusive sport ripples outward. Respite for families is part of the purpose.

  • Parents and carers
  • Schools and educational settings
  • Local community sports clubs
  • Volunteers and community partners
Made for Wales

Aligned with what Wales is working towards.

Our work contributes to a more inclusive, active Wales, supporting long-term social and economic wellbeing in the communities that need it most.

Reducing inequalities Child health & wellbeing Inclusive communities Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Physical activity participation
The national flag of Wales, featuring the red dragon
Year one: Swansea pilot Our first inclusive sport hub event, 2026
Get involved

Help us open the door to sport.

Investment in Sport Ability directly increases access to sport for children currently excluded from it. Whether you fund, volunteer, or partner with us, it all counts.

Fund a place

Support delivery staff, venue hire, adaptive equipment and safeguarding so more children can take part.

Volunteer

Bring your time and energy to sessions and events. Full training and support provided.

Partner with us

Schools, clubs, councils and child support organisations. Let's build inclusive sport hubs together.

What funding makes possible

Programme delivery staff Venue hire & accessible facilities Specialist adaptive equipment Volunteer recruitment & training Safeguarding & compliance Monitoring & evaluation

Every child in Wales deserves access to sport.

PlayEnjoyDevelopCompeteBelongBe included

Sport Ability removes the barriers standing between children and the sport they should be playing.

Support Sport Ability