A groundbreaking football and wellbeing programme has been helping young people living with sight loss build confidence, friendships and discover new opportunities through the power of sport.
Designed to support children and young people living with visual impairment, the programme uses football and sports activities to encourage children to become more active, boost wellbeing and develop confidence in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Delivered by specialist coaches from The Albion Foundation, the free programme provided regular sports and wellbeing sessions, giving young people the chance to learn new skills, make friends and enjoy experiences that many had not previously had access to. Families were encouraged to take part throughout the programme, helping to create a supportive community around those involved.
The pioneering sports and wellbeing project was launched by Your City & Metropolitan Hospitals Charity, the registered charity of Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, following successful funding from The Roper-Hall Eye Foundation and a partnership with The Albion Foundation, the charitable arm of West Bromwich Albion Football Club. The initiative was developed with support from clinicians at the Trust’s Birmingham & Midland Eye Centre (BMEC), one of the UKs leading specialist eye hospitals.
Over the course of the programme, participants not only developed their sporting abilities but also built self-esteem, independence and social connections, demonstrating how sport can play a transformative role in supporting young people beyond traditional healthcare settings.
Edward Edmead, Head of Business Developments at Your City & Metropolitan Hospitals Charity, said:
“This project demonstrates what can be achieved when charitable funders, healthcare professionals and community partners come together with a shared ambition to make a difference.
We must extend our thanks to the generous support of The Roper-Hall Eye Foundation and the commitment of our colleagues at Birmingham Midland Eye Centre and The Albion Foundation, as we have been able to provide opportunities for young people affected by visual impairment so that they can continue to build confidence, improve their wellbeing and enjoy experiences that many may never have thought possible.”
While football has been the catalyst, the impact goes far beyond sport. This programme has helped visually marginalised young people to develop friendships, feel more connected to their communities and gain confidence in their own abilities. “
Prof. Phil Murray, Chair, Roper-Hall Eye Foundation said:
“We are incredibly proud to have helped bring this partnership to life and grateful to everyone who has contributed to its success. Most importantly, we hope this project that we’ve funded albeit as a pilot leaves a lasting legacy by showing that young people with visual impairment and when provided with the dedicated support are able to challenge themselves and are able to overcome some of the barriers that would normally deter them from achieving their ambitions of playing sports, and thus enjoying active and fulfilling lives.”
Rich Henderson, Disability Sports Coordinator at The Albion Foundation said:
“One of the most special things about this project has been seeing young people realise they’re not alone. Many of the children had little opportunity to meet other young people living with visual impairment, or adults who truly understand the challenges they face every day. Throughout these sessions, they’ve built friendships, grown in confidence and found a place where they were completely safe and included.”
The programme culminated in a celebration event at The Hawthorns, where participants, families, clinicians, coaches and project partners came together to celebrate the achievements of the young people involved and recognise the positive impact the project has had on local families.
For many of the children taking part, the project has been about much more than football. It has provided a pathway to greater confidence, stronger friendships and a renewed belief in what they can achieve.