Every Child Belongs.
Different abilities, equal opportunities. A sporting chance for every child, backing SEN families every step of the way.
Sport for SEN is creating inclusive sports clubs for children with special educational needs, and respite and community for the parents who care for them. We are starting in Wigan and Leigh.
Sport for SEN creates inclusive sporting opportunities for children with special educational needs, and gives their parents the respite, connection and support they deserve.
We exist to connect the pieces.
SEN parents are some of the most isolated people in our society. Thousands of families are living parallel lives, a few streets apart, each carrying the same weight alone. Sport for SEN brings children onto the pitch and parents into a community, connecting every piece so nobody has to do this by themselves.
Three ways we change the game.
Everything we do is built around the whole family: a place for the child to play, and a place for the parent to breathe.
Inclusive sports clubs for SEN children
Regular sessions in high-quality facilities, led by experienced facilitators, where every child is welcome, supported and able to take part at their own pace.
Respite and connection for parents
While their children play, parents get time for themselves and the chance to meet others who truly understand.
Mums’ and dads’ support groups
Dedicated groups offering a safe space to share the experiences and worries that so often go unspoken, alongside practical help.
The numbers behind the need.
1 in 5
pupils in England have special educational needs.
That is more than 1.8 million children.
26%
of young disabled people can always take part in sport at school.
Compared with 38% of their non-disabled classmates.
4%
of families of disabled children could get a holiday club place for all the days they needed.
37% said providers could not meet their child’s needs.
52%
of parents of disabled children report feeling lonely.
65% wanted a club for their child so they could take a break from caring.
Sources: Department for Education, Special educational needs in England; Play, Move, Belong (Activity Alliance and partners, 2025); Contact and the Disabled Children’s Partnership, Holiday Club Survey (2023). Most of these surveys ask about disabled children rather than SEN specifically. The two groups overlap heavily.
Wigan and Leigh first. Then the whole country.
Our first clubs will run in the Wigan and Leigh area. Our long-term ambition is for every SEN child and parent in the country to have a Sport for SEN club within reach.
Tell us what your family needsBe part of it.
We are building Sport for SEN with families, schools, clubs and local partners. Tell us how you would like to be involved and we will be in touch.