A sports club designed for children with special educational needs and disabilities is expanding to Loughton.
All Abilities Active, founded by Mickie and Jack, began as an inclusive football and activity club inspired by their own experiences raising their autistic son, Forrest.
The club became fully booked, prompting the couple to launch new sessions in Loughton.
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Mickie and Jack said: "We started the club after experiencing first-hand how difficult it can be to find sports activities where children with additional needs feel comfortable, accepted and able to take part in their own way. We wanted to create the kind of space we’d wished existed for our own son, Forrest.
"Each week, we see children growing in confidence, developing their football skills and forming friendships. Some of our children have struggled to find their place in traditional clubs or make friends, so seeing them begin to connect with others and feel part of something is exactly why we do this."
They said the benefits extend to families as well, adding: "Parents get the chance to meet other families who understand the challenges they face, share experiences and enjoy an activity together without the pressure or judgement that can sometimes come with mainstream sports clubs."
With their Bishop’s Stortford sessions now fully booked, the couple have launched in Loughton to help more children and families access inclusive sport locally.
They said: "We believe there’s a real need for opportunities like this, and we’d love to share our story to help other families discover that a space like this exists for their children, too."
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