The Albion Foundation, the charitable arm of West Bromwich Albion, have received vital funding to support the development of their weekly Pan Disability football sessions.
The life-changing football programme provides people with disabilities in the local area with an inclusive environment to learn, socialise and play football.
The £10,000 grant from the Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations fund has increased the number of lives the Foundation can improve, with participants able to attend for free after the recent injection of cash.
This funding will also be used to maximise the quality of the coaching and improve the equipment needed for individuals with disabilities to thrive, something Ajay Gill, The Albion Foundation’s Head of Disability is delighted by.
“I have been involved in the program for over eight years," Gill said. "I’ve seen individuals develop their self-esteem, confidence and their ability in football has come on a lot.
"Some of the individuals I work with historically wouldn’t leave their homes and wouldn’t engage with anybody, but these sessions have provided them with a purpose and made them part of the Albion family.
“The funding from the Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund has been an absolute godsend for our group. A lot of the individuals who we see don’t have family support and have financial constraints.
"The grant has helped subsidise their monthly fees which has enabled them to come and access the football sessions.”
West Brom’s Pan Adult Disabilities teams have had a profound impact on its participants and their families. It improves their physical and mental health, while providing a place to socialise and make friends.
The Foundation has already begun to ensure their weekly session go ahead as often as possible with the introduction of their social hub. Participants have started meeting at The Hawthorns ahead of football training for quizzes and other social activities, allowing them to meet and socialise, regardless of poor weather.
The social opportunities, and sense of belonging is something that Adam Smith, a volunteer coach and PAN Disability footballer says has a positive impact on his wellbeing.
“The Foundation gives you an opportunity no matter your disability, your ability in sport or if you have mental health problems," Smith said. "When you come into the foundation you’ll get welcomed in with open arms and you get the opportunity to just be yourself, and that’s what any football club and community should be.”
Sky Bet visited The Albion Foundation’s final football session before Christmas to speak to member and participants about the impact the programme has on the local community.
To find out more about the Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund, click HERE.