FOLLOWING last week’s article looking into the services provided by Jersey Sport, we continue our deep dive into the local disability sport community by getting in touch with the wider community.
For such a small island, the large variety on offer here is incredible to see. Whether it is opportunities to participate in football, swimming or even to have a go at golf, there are plenty of options for those with disabilities to stay active.
While there’s still work to do, it’s never been easier for those with disabilities to get into sport, so let’s dive in and explore what’s on offer.
Jersey FA
Football is the global titan of sport, far leading its nearest rival – cricket – to be the world’s most popular sport. According to an article on topendsports.com, an estimated 3.5 billion people (approximately 42% of the world’s population) are fans of soccer.
To illustrate those figures, 2022’s World Cup reached an estimated audience of five billion across the globe, with a whopping 1.5 billion people tuning in to watch the final between Argentina and France making it the most-watched final in FIFA World Cup history. With the sport’s popularity at an all-time high, it’s only fair that everyone and anyone should have opportunities to play the beautiful game.
That seems to be the aim on the Island, with the Jersey FA (JFA) putting on multiple initiatives to help make the game more inclusive and accessible than ever.
“The main importance for us at the JFA is to help make football more inclusive, so that everyone gets the same opportunity to play football,” said the Jersey FA’s football development manager, Chris Riley.
“To have that opportunity brings so much to participants’ lives, as it helps them feel more integrated into the community. That social element of meeting people and getting out there also does a great deal for mental health and well-being, which helps improve lives all round.
“We’re keen to keep offering our services and open up as many opportunities as possible. We’ve already identified areas we can improve, but it simply comes down to resource.”
The Jersey FA already provides sessions for all ages and abilities, ensuring people of all ages and abilities can play football.
Their pan-disability programme begins with their Comets and Disability Rec sessions, which is designed for children aged five to 16 with disabilities, The sessions focus on creating fun and supportive environments in which participants can build confidence, develop independence, and form positive social connections – providing safe spaces where every child feels welcome, valued, and included.
For those aged 18 and over, Just Play Kickabout sessions provide opportunities for adults of all abilities to get involved in football.
The programme offers a range of formats to suit different needs and preferences, including walking football as well as small-sided games such as three-versus-three, five-versus-five, seven-versus-seven, nine-versus-nine and full 11-a-side matches, ensuring there are options for everyone to enjoy the game in a way that works best for them.
This work extends beyond just playing opportunities, as the Jersey FA have partnered with Beresford Street Kitchen to offer meaningful placements where they can gain hands-on experience, recognised qualifications and clear pathways into employment.
One of their most recent placement, Ryan Blandin, completed his time with us by achieving his EE Player Maker qualification and has since taken his first steps into coaching, showing how life-changing such opportunities can be.
To find out more, email Chris Riley at chris.riley@jerseyfa.com.
Jersey FA LD football team
Alongside these initiatives, the Jersey FA is also host to a learning-disability (LD) football team, which offers opportunities to play competitive football.
Mark Jones, who’s been involved with the team for 23 years and acts as its secretary of treasury, said: “We have a fantastic setup down here, with 30 players ranging in age from 14 to mid-40s, all in one team. It’s a team open to everybody, and we welcome them with open arms.
“We don’t want anyone to miss out and it’s a great chance for them to get them off the Island, which is an experience that they need. We always treat them like adults as that’s what they deserve, whenever they’re abroad they always act well and are a credit to Jersey.
“More and more people are meeting the criteria for learning disabilities, so it’s essential accessible opportunities are created, and we need to make people aware we’re here.”
Mostly playing abroad, the team is currently in the process of booking a trip to Bradford, where a group of 40 people – including 28 players – will get the opportunity to compete away from home.
The team also take part in an LD Muratti, where they face their Sarnian counterparts every year to help integrate them further into the football community.
With their competitive opportunities mainly being off-Island, the amount of support required is substantial to pay for travel, but Jones mentioned that “the public are very supportive – sponsorship has never been an issue”.
As well as taking sessions to focus and improve on the game’s technical aspects, the benefits of taking part go well beyond the pitch. Jones has first hand experience of the benefits football brings those with learning disabilities, as his son is one of the team’s players.
“To see the interaction is just great, as you see that they really do benefit. Playing football allows them to have the same banter that everyone has around football, which helps make them feel more part of the community,” Jones continued.
“If you’re on the spectrum you can be quite insular, but having teams like this are absolutely massive for making friends. They’re all very friendly and everyone just wants to interact, it really is heart-warming to see them chatting.
“Disability sport is all about respect and it’s clear from the participants how much our work is appreciated. This is all down to volunteers who are absolutely instrumental in the work we do, once people meet our guys they’re always happy to help.”
Jones has first hand experience of the benefits football brings those with learning disabilities, as his son is one of the team’s players. The team is said to have a “great social side”, as they also get to enjoy a disco event, further boosting socialising and enjoyment.
If you’d like to get involved, then please get in touch with Mark Jones through his email, ecclesmark1956@gmail.com
Jersey Learning Disabilities Ten Pin Bowling League
In addition to helping run the Jersey FA LD team, Jones has also been instrumental in starting up the Jersey Learning Disabilities Ten Pin Bowling League, creating another sport on offer for all.
The impact of this league can certainly be backed by the numbers, as 40 players congregate each month to battle it out for glory in the lanes, showcasing its immense popularity in the community.
Beginning in 2013 after being founded by Jones – who still organises the event today – sessions are held on the last Thursday of every month, where nine teams, each containing a maximum of five players, get to face each other at Jersey Bowl.
With a big focus on the social side, which comes naturally with the sport of ten pin bowling, they join the footballers at the disco, helping them meet new people and make friendships to help “enhance their well-being”.
For more information, please get in contact with Mark Jones through his email, ecclesmark1956@gmail.com
Swim Easy Jersey
Swim Easy Jersey offers swimming lessons for people of all ages and abilities, offering swimming opportunities for people with disabilities for over 30 years.
The club has grown from its humble beginnings at Fort Regent, where they started with just six swimmers and two teachers. Now based at Langford and operating at a larger scale, with some competing at Special Olympics events across the UK, their mission hasn’t changed.
“Although we’ve moved through several pools across the Island, the heart of what we do hasn’t changed –we’re still all about inclusion, fun, teamwork and helping every swimmer achieve their personal best, with no restriction in being able to compete nationally if they so wish,” said Melissa Sheehan of Swim Easy Jersey, who helped start this alongside her father, Ken Sheehan.
As they run mainstream sessions for children from four years of age all the way through to adulthood, this helps fund Friday evening sessions for those with special needs –which are completely free of charge.
The teachers and assistants of Swim Easy Jersey volunteer their time free of charge for these sessions, where they coach around 35 swimmers aged from five – 67 years of age in everything, from basic water confidence to Special Olympics Great Britain – competition-level swimming.
Melissa Sheehan continued to explain how they adapt to cater for all, saying: “Every week looks a little different, depending on who’s there and how they’re feeling – flexibility is key. Some weeks can feel like organised chaos, but we adapt on the spot to suit each swimmer’s needs and capabilities.
“Some of our swimmers need extra support in the water, others work independently, with at least 40% of those present capable of training at competition level. We make sure everyone has a chance to take part and feel included, regardless of ability or experience.”
Swimming brings many benefits, as Sheehan added: “The benefits are huge – physically, mentally and socially. Many of our swimmers grow in confidence, improve coordination and gain fitness, but, more than anything, swimming gives them a sense of belonging.
“Watching their pride when they achieve a personal best, win a medal or get a ‘speeding ticket’ that recognises their progress is just priceless. It boosts self-esteem and builds lifelong friendships, making a strong bond between all of us, working as one.”
Moving forward, the club is keen to keep growing, as Sheehan said: “Our main goal is to keep offering this service to as many people as possible, while maintaining the quality of support each swimmer receives. We’re close to capacity now, so finding more pool time is something we’re hoping for in future, as we’d love to continue growing.
“There are some great initiatives on the Island, but more opportunities and resources are always needed. Facilities and accessible pool time are limited, and many volunteer-led groups like ours rely on community support to keep going.
“We’d love to see more investment in disability sport, better access to facilities and stronger collaboration between local organisations, so that everyone can reach their potential – whatever their ability.”
Please contact Swim Easy Jersey through their email, swimeasyjsy@gmail.com
Adam Dalton – golf
Jersey’s golfing sensation in Adam Dalton has been one of the Island’s leading figures in the disability sport community, with his momentous achievements showing what’s possible.
“I used to absolutely love playing football, but I then had to search for a sport that suited my prosthetic leg a bit more, as it began to hurt,” said Dalton. “I tried absolutely everything, making for quite the journey, leading golf one day down at Longueville Golf Range.
“My mum was a bit sceptical, but she did what she always did and supported me, and I figured it out. Originally starting with two clubs stuck together, as soon as I hit the first ball I absolutely loved it and it’s been a wonderful journey.”
Dalton’s journey has been somewhat remarkable, as he’s proved himself against some of the world’s best to crack the world’s top-10 rankings last year among other achievements.
Golf has brought loads to Datlon’s life, as the Jerseyman went on to say: “Golf has done everything for me, it really has saved my life. When school ended in 2021, I didn’t think I had anything to do, but golf came and gave me something to do.
“When I found EDGA to compete, it really did open up another world and kicked off a career, which came as a massive boost to morale.
“Golf is all about socialising – even if you’re playing on your own, you’ll always come across others and interact with them on the course. I’m quite confident now thanks to golf, and being able to play with the able-bodied players here in Jersey has helped me feel welcome and part of the community.”
With his position in Jersey’s disability sport community, Dalton is keen to encourage everyone and anyone to try out the sport, using tools such as social media to help promote his message.
“Nowadays, with technology getting better, there’s never been a better time to try out golf. Whether disabled r able-bodied, I just want to encourage more people to try out golf,” Dalton continued.
“I know that golf can seem quite posh and exclusive on the outside, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Golf is a sport for everyone, all you have to do is hit the white golf ball – as long as you’re enjoying yourself, that’s what it’s all about.
“I’ve had the privilege to play every course on the Island, and I’ve always been made to feel welcome, everyone’s just been so warm and supportive. We’re lucky to have such an amazing Island with loads of great golf clubs and facilities, so just go anywhere and have a go.”
“I’m so lucky with all the help and support I’ve received throughout my journey, such as Wayne Osmand at the start – who is the very reason for all of this happening – to Andreas from the USA who helped me find all the equipment from PING – there’s just so many who have helped along the way and I’m so grateful for it.”
