Hardwicke Rangers Comets - Accessible Football
Blast off with COMETS! A safe space for pan-disability children aged 5 to 11 to kickstart their football journey.
Creating a sense of belonging
As part of the Gloucestershire FA Disability Football, Hardwicke Rangers YFC has recently begun to offer COMETS sessions, providing inclusive football opportunities to disabled children and young people.
The club has always been about inclusion, providing football for all, and it sees this as the next step in that philosophy. We are endeavouring to make our disabled players as much a part of the club as any other player. They train at the same venue, wear the same club colours, and are coached by experienced club coaches who have completed specialised training.
For many disabled children and young people, the benefits extend beyond football itself. Being part of a team, forming friendships and sharing in club life can help build confidence and a strong sense of belonging.
The FA Disability Football ambassador recently attended one of the sessions and this is what he had to say:
“At the sessions, children are supported by an excellent coach-to-player ratio. This allows every child to receive personalised support while taking part in a variety of fun, engaging football activities. The players enjoyed games such as Battleships and other football-based challenges with laughter, smiles and enthusiasm evident throughout.”
“More importantly than the football itself, every child was able to participate in a way that suited them, helping them build confidence, develop skills and simply enjoy being active alongside others.”
A place where children can enjoy football
One parent explained how their son had previously attended a mainstream football club when he was younger. Although football remained one of his biggest passions, the environment eventually became overwhelming and he stopped playing. As a result, he had not accessed football for several years. Since finding COMETS he has been able to return to the game he loves in an environment that feels safe, welcoming and tailored to his needs. The session allows him to enjoy football without the barriers that previously prevented him from taking part.
Another parent shared how their daughter now counts down not only the days but the hours until the next Comets session. For her, being able to play football like her older sibling and looking forward to training each week shows the positive impact that inclusive opportunities can have. They enable children to take part, develop confidence and progress in football in their own way.
Get involved
We understand that parents of disabled children may be unsure whether football is the right fit. COMETS provides a welcoming, supportive environment where children can participate at their own pace and enjoy all the benefits that football can offer.
COMETS is a safe space for pan-disability children aged 5 to 11 to kickstart their football journey.
Sessions take place at Severn Vale School on Thursdays from 6.45pm. The team currently has seven regular players and spaces are limited, so families are encouraged to get in touch to ask about availability.
To learn more please contact: HardwickeRangersYFC@virginmedia.com
Other inclusive football sessions across Gloucestershire
If Hardwicke is not local to your family, there are other inclusive football sessions taking place across Gloucestershire.
In Quedgeley, QWFC Frame Football offers free Tuesday sessions at Holmeleigh Park. Comets is for children aged 8 to 11, and Disability Rec is for young people aged 12 to 16. Both sessions run from 6pm to 7pm.
In Barnwood, Kickabout 18+ offers Saturday sessions for adults aged 18 and over. Sessions run from 7pm to 9pm at Coopers Edge Sports Hub and cost £2.50 per person.
In Cheltenham, Belmont Comets offers Sunday sessions for children aged 5 to 11. Sessions run from 10am to 11am at Belmont Special School and cost £5 per person. Places are limited, so families should check availability.
Comets sessions are also available in Bishop’s Cleeve for children aged 5 to 11. Sessions run on Mondays from 4pm to 5.30pm at Cheltenham YMCA Sports Centre and cost £5.50 per person.
Please contact the individual club or check its activity listing for current availability and booking information before attending.
For more information on inclusive things to do, please visit the Things to do pages on Support for Families with SEND - Gloucestershire's Local Offer for Parent Carers.