‘GET ACTIVE’
A Guide to Disability Sport in the Black Country.
Plain Text Version
For more information – Contact the Black Country BeActive Partnership – 0845 8 151515
Contents
Welcome and Introduction
Using the Guide
Advice for joining a club
Black Country Role Models
General Facilities
AIKIDO
ANGLING
ATHLETICS
BADMINTON
BOCCIA
CRICKET
Case Study: Old Swinford Cricket Club
CYCLING
FENCING
FOOTBALL
GOALBALL
GOLF
HOCKEY
HORSE RIDING
MULTI SPORT
NETBALL
RUGBY
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
SWIMMING
Case Study: Daisy’s Story
TABLE TENNIS
TENNIS
VOLLEYBALL
WALKING
WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL
Wheelchair Basketball – Jacob’s Story
National Contacts
Black Country BeActive Partnership
Welcome and Introduction
Stuart Johnson
Equity Champion
BeActive Partnership Board
Welcome to the Black Country BeActive Partnership’s Guide to Disability Sport. In the Black Country, we are committed to ensuring that there are fair opportunities for all to participate in sport and physical activity.
Throughout the summer we saw fantastic performances by Paralympic athletes from the Black Country, none more so than the outstanding achievements of Eleanor Simmonds, Jordanne Whiley and Helen Scott. On the back of the biggest Paralympic games ever, interest in disability sport has never been so high and we want to make sure getting involved in disability sport in the Black Country is getting easier.
This guide will promote opportunities appropriate for those with a disability across the Black Country to try new activities or play more sport than they are currently doing. We recognise that not all clubs will be in a position to accept all participants; however we are constantly working towards ensuring that there are fairer opportunities for all participants.
If you have any feedback for us then please feel free to contact the Black Country BeActive Partnership team.
The Guide
You have taken the first step into sport by visiting this guide for advice on where to take part in disability sport in the Black Country. There are more opportunities than you may think to get involved in local sport with local people! The Black Country BeActive Partnership is committed to helping you on your personal journey within sport.
What are Hub Clubs?are identified whereby the National Governing B have recommended a hub club for disability have been highlighted as a ‘Hub Club’ in this version. This does not prevent you from attending other clubs nor does it constitute a formal endorsement of the club or its procedures.
Document Formats
This publication is also available via the Black Country BeActive Partnership website and in alternative formats if required. Please contact the Black Country BeActive Partnership on 0845 8 151515 if an alternative format is required.
Advice for joining a club.
Things to Check
- Can Parents/Carers stay during the session?
- Does the club have a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy?
- Ensure that all coaches are fully enhanced CRB checked.
- Ensure all coaches are qualified to level 2
- Does the club have a Welfare Officer someone who takes charge of registration at the start and end of a session, and first aid provision?
- Check the Ratio of Adults to Children.
Things to watch out for
- Activities where parents are discouraged from staying to watch or from becoming involved.
- Individuals who take charge and operate independently of organisational guidelines.
- Individuals who show favouritism or personally reward specific children.
- Encouragement of inappropriate physical contact.
- Poor communication and negative responses to questions about safeguards for your child.
- A “win at all costs” attitude towards the sport or activity.
- Children who drop out or stop going for no apparent reason.
- Invitations for children to spend time alone with staff or volunteers (or even to visit their home).
Black Country Role Models
Jordanne Whiley from the Black Country from the Black Country
Wheelchair Tennis Bronze Medallist, London 2012
“Sports clubs have played a big part in my tennis career, I was surrounded by friendly people who encouraged me along and got me excited about playing sport. One tennis club was the reason I was able to pursue my tennis at such a young age.”
Richard Davies
London 2012 Paralympian from the Black Country
Paralympic Shooting Gold Medallist, London 2012
“After being injured in a swimming pool accident I became wheelchair bound, decided to stay positive, joined a club and took up wheelchair rugby. After 14 years playing for GB, I took up shooting and within 6 months I was in the GB squad and beating the best. I am now 2 times and current British Champion. In 2011 I was ranked number 1 in the world and finished with the highest ranking in the GB squad in my event at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. My sights are now on Rio. It’s never over until you quit.”
Blind Dave Heely from the Black Country
The first blind person in the world to have completed the ultimate endurance challenge 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents
“Sports clubs encourage people in to a friendly and safe environment, which then encourages adults to involve their young families. The club environment helps with training modes, social activitiesand more importantly brings on that competitive edge which we all need to compete. For me a running club initially sourced a very important part of my sporting activity - guide runners - and now I have a great team around me”
Ryan Cockbill
London 2012 Paralympian from the Black Coutry
'By joining sports clubs I was able to find and enjoy target shooting. It has taken me around world and has opened the door to some great experiences such as the London 2012 Paralympic Games'
General Facilities
This section defines the facilities appropriate for sport in the Black Country. Individual clubs by sport can be found throughout this document.
Hub Club: Portway Lifestyle Centre
Oldbury, B69 1HE
Telephone: 0300 012 0121
Email:
Portway Lifestyle Centre will offer a fully inclusive and holistic social care, leisure and health centre that will include a GP Practice all accessible to people with disabilities, and the local community. Facilities include a full size FA approved, artificial grass pitch, outdoor exercise trail, sports hall, hydrotherapy pool, gym and weight area, dance studio, multipurpose room, sensory room, climbing wall, café, fully accessible ‘Changing Places’ toilets, fully accessible wet and dry changing areas and a hoisting system for people with severe mobility problems to access the hydrotherapy pool from the wet changing area.
© Black Country BeActive Partnership
Aldersley Leisure Village
Hugh Porter Way, Wolverhampton, WV6 9NW
Telephone: 01902 556 200
Email:
Website:
Blakenhall Community and Healthy Living Centre
Bromley Street, Blakenhall, Wolverhampton, WV2 3AS
Telephone: 01902 555460
Email:
Crystal Leisure Centre
Bell Street, Stourbridge, DY8 1AE
Telephone: 01384 812 800
Email:
Haybridge Sports Centre
Brake Lane, Hagley, Stourbridge, DY8 2XS
Telephone: 01562 881 115
Website:
Albrighton Trust Ltd.
Blue House Lane, Albrighton, Wolverhampton, WV7 3FL
Telephone: 01902 372 441
Website:
Walsall Deaf People’s Centre
59a Lichfield Street, Walsall, West Midlands, WS4 2BX
Telephone:01922 614794
Email:
Website:
Wolverhampton Swimming & Fitness Centre
Planetenary Road, Wednesfield, Wolverhampton, WV13 3SW
Telephone: 01902 384 777
Email:
Website:
© Black Country BeActive Partnership
AIKIDO
Dragonfly Aikido Club
St Thomas More RC Primary School, Huthill Lane, Walsall, WS6 6PG
Contact: Terence Bayliss
Telephone: 01543 683 526
Email:
Website:
Notes:
Please contact prior to attendance. The club will accommodate if possible based on requirements.
Ren Shin Kan Aikido Club
265-266 Castle Street, Dudley, DY1 1LQ
Contact: Phil Smith
Telephone: 01384 455 916
Email:
Website:
Notes:
There is no wheelchair access to the club.
ANGLING
British Disabled Angling Association
9 Yew Tree Road, Delves, WS5 4NQ
Contact: Terry Moseley
Telephone: 01922 860 912
Email:
Website:
Notes:
Have a look at the website or contact Terry directly for more information about this organisation.
Heathfield Lane Fishing Club
Contact: Kerry Wilkinson
Telephone: 07548 765 894
Email:
Website:
Notes:
Based at Heathfield Lane pool, Darlaston.
Reels on Wheels
Contact: Nick Rowe
Telephone: 07777 692573
Email:
Website:
Notes:
This is a buddy system rather than a direct club.This would mean that organisation will help find a partner to assist a disabled angler in the local area rather than participants attending a gathering of club members.
ATHLETICS
Hub Club: Wolverhampton & Bilston Athletics Club
Aldersley Leisure Village, Hugh Porter Way, Aldersley Road, Wolverhampton, WV6 9NW
Contact: Colin Thompson
Telephone: 01902 556200
Email:
Website:
Notes:
Sessions are open to disabled people irrespective of disability, track and field.
RGK Sporting Club Rhinos
Aldersley Leisure Village, Hugh Porter Way, Aldersley Road, Wolverhampton, WV6 9NW
Contact: Rachael Andrews-Caron
Telephone: 0845 519 9026
Email:
Website:
Notes:
Sessions are open to disabled people irrespective of disability or age.
BADMINTON
Kingswinford Badminton Club
Kingswinford School, Water Street, Kingswinford, DY6 7AD
Contact: Simon Baggott
Telephone: 07984 501 050
Email:
Website:
Notes:
Contact club prior to attendance.
Sandwell Leisure Trust – Disability Badminton Session
Hadley Stadium, Wilson Road, Smethwick, B66 4ND
Contact: Sandwell Leisure Trust
Telephone: 08456594815
Email:
Website:
Notes:
This session is for adults only (aged 16+)
RGK Sporting Club Rhinos - Wheelchair Badminton
North East Wolverhampton Academy, Foxley Campus, Marsh Lane, Wolverhampton, WV10 6SE
Contact: Rachael Andrews-Caron
Telephone: 0845 519 9026
Email:
Website:
Notes:
Sessions are open to disabled people irrespective of disability or age.
BOCCIA
RGK Sporting Club Rhinos - Boccia
North East Wolverhampton Academy, Foxley Campus, Marsh Lane, Wolverhampton, WV10 6SE
Contact: Rachael Andrews-Caron
Telephone: 0845 519 9026
Email:
Website:
Notes:
Sessions are open to disabled people irrespective of disability or age.
CRICKET
Old Swinford Cricket Club – Cricket Coaching
Old Swinford Cricket Club, Albemarle Road, Stourbridge, DY8 2BG
Contact: Katie Blunt
Telephone: 0781 557 8583
Email:
Website:
Notes:
Children 8 to 14 years with MLD, mild autism, coordination difficulties, at time of publication, not appropriate for children with severe disabilities or who need one to one care
Old Wulfrunians Cricket Club
253a Castlecroft Road, Castlecroft, Wolverhampton, WV3 8NA
Contact: Dave Unitt
Telephone: 01902761410
Email:
Website:
Notes:
Contact prior to attendance.
Case Study: Old Swinford Cricket Club
“Each session was well organised and it was lovely to see the children involved gaining confidence and indeed showing progress in such a short space of time.”
Old Swinford Cricket Club thought this programme would be an ideal opportunity to provide children with moderate learning disabilities a chance to play cricket, have fun and socialise with their peers. With no other club in Worcestershire having a disability section we thought it was a chance to be the first. With links between Dudley Council and Worcestershire County Cricket Board we have been able to promote the sessions and be guided along the correct path to make this programme the best it can be.
This four week programme ran for one hour on a Friday night at Oldswinford CC. Sessions were focused on providing an opportunity for children with moderate learning disabilities aged between 8 and 14 to participate in cricket for what could have been their first time, as well as providing fun and enjoyment for all along the way. Over the four week period we saw ten children participate in the sessions which were run by two qualified coaches. Each session had a main coaching element whether it be batting, bowling or fielding and ending in a game. Not only were these sessions teaching the children sport specific skills but also life and social skills, such as communication and teamwork.
Our main outcome for this programme was to provide opportunity for all disabled children a chance to play cricket and having some fun. After running these sessions it has become evident that it is something that as a club we would like to continue to do on a weekly basis, holding winter nets and then continuing it all through summer training and with funding it would help to secure this chance. Seeing the children’s faces light up with happiness and excitement when they hit the wickets, or hit the ball is something that we will hold onto and intend to only see more of.
Coaches have enjoyed the programme and have got just as much out of it as the children have. It also gave parents the chance to come down to the club, socialise and relax for an hour. The children were all devastated when it was the last session and asked if we could do another one the week after for them. This just goes to show how successful this was. We have also received positive feedback from parents about both the sessions and the club. One parent states ‘cricket gives you skills for life and those children with special educational needs children deserve to be included in such a wonderful sport’.
Building a coach-player relationship is key with disability sport and it is something that we have intended to do from the very first session. A small example of why this relationship is so important is with one child our coach called him James Bond, he loved this and every time he was called this he would laugh and smile. His mom came up to the coach at the end of the sessions and said how it is the first time he has ever gone home and not stopped talking about something he has done and how much he has enjoyed it. She then went on to say how something as little as calling him James Bond made all the difference as he felt like he was included in it all and meant something.
Overall this programme has been a huge success and seeing disabled children play cricket has been a success, but seeing them play the sport with such enthusiasm and enjoyment makes it all worthwhile.
CYCLING
Wolverhampton Cycle Champions Initiative
Heantun House, Salop Street, Wolverhampton, WV3 0SQ
Contact: Becky Marston
Telephone: 01902 554755
Email:
Website:
Notes:
All welcome. Contact for further information.
FENCING
Stourbridge Fencing Club
Pedmore Technology College, Grange Lane, Pedmore, Stourbridge, DY9 7HS
Contact: Peter Baron
Telephone: 01384 400 242
Email:
Website:
Notes:
Contact to discuss accessibility based on needs. It will be difficult to accommodate those with severe physical disabilities.
RGK Sporting Club Rhinos - Wheelchair Fencing
Our Lady St Chads, Old Fallings Lane, Wolverhampton, WV10 8BL
Contact: Rachael Andrews-Caron
Telephone: 0845 519 9026
Email:
Website:
Notes:
Sessions are open to disabled people irrespective of disability or age.
FOOTBALL
Bustleholme Football Club
Contact: Geoff Benbow
Telephone: 07805 829 354
Email:
Sporting Club Albion
Contact: Adam Crowle
Telephone: 07714 108 024
Email:
Website:
Kewford Eagles
The Crestwood School, Bromley Lane, Kingswinford, DY6 8QG
Contact: Jane Beech
Telephone: 07866 275 326
Email:
Website:
FA Player Development Centre & Centre of Excellence
Birmingham County Football Association
Contact: Amy Sproson
Telephone: 0121 357 4278 (Option 2)
Email:
Website:
Powerchair Development Centre & Training
The Albion Foundation
Contact: Paul Hunt
Telephone: 07984 610 283
Email:
Website:
PAN Disability Ambulant Training
The Albion Foundation
Contact: Paul Glover
Telephone: 0871 271 9840
Email:
Website:
Notes:
Sessions currently split into 12-16 years and 16+
GOALBALL
Beacon Centre for the Blind
Wolverhampton Road East, Wolverhampton, WV4 6AZ
Contact: Tim Jukes
Telephone: 01902 880 111
Email:
Website:
Notes:
All welcome
RGK Sporting Club Rhinos - Goalball
North East Wolverhampton Academy, Foxley Campus, Marsh Lane, Wolverhampton, WV10 6SE
Contact: Rachael Andrews-Caron
Telephone: 0845 519 9026
Email:
Website:
Notes:
Sessions are open to disabled people irrespective of disability or age.
GOLF
Golf Academy
Woodfarm Golf Range, Broad Lane, Essington, Wolverhmapton, WV11 2RJ
Contact: Craig Thomas
Telephone: 07973 798 483
Email:
Website:
Notes:
All welcome. Contact for further information.
HOCKEY
Streetly Hockey Club
Briar Ave, Sutton Coldfield, B74 3HX
Contact: Dave Peers
Telephone: 0121 353 0958
Email: via Website
Website:
RGK Sporting Club Rhinos –Sledge Hockey
North East Wolverhampton Academy, Foxley Campus, Marsh Lane, Wolverhampton, WV10 6SE
Contact: Rachael Andrews-Caron
Telephone: 0845 519 9026
Email:
Website:
Notes:
Sessions are open to disabled people irrespective of disability or age.
HORSE RIDING
Gartmore Riding School
Hall Lane, Burntwood, Walsall, WS7 0JT
Contact: Tracy Francis
Telephone: 01543 686 117
Email:
Mill Riding Centre
Warstone Hill Road, Pattingham, Wolverhampton, WV6 7HH
Contact: Pam Howson
Telephone: 01902 883 062
Email:
MULTI SPORT
These providers provide a range of sporting opportunities.
AC Coaching & Sports Development
8 Eastcroft Road,Warstones, Penn, Wolverhampton, WV4 4NL
Contact: Alan Caron
Telephone: 01902 229413
Email:
Website:
Let Us Play
5 Shaw Park Business Village, Shaw Road, Wolverhampton, WV10 9LE
Contact: Kim Hatton or Claire McKen
Telephone: 01902 546258
Email: r
Website:
Inclusive Activezone (Holiday activities)
Crystal Leisure Centre, Bell Street, Stourbridge, DY8 1AE
Contact: Greg Southall
Telephone: 01384 814 179
Email:
Friday Adaptive Sports Club
Crystal Leisure Centre, Bell Street, Stourbridge, DY8 1AE
Contact: Greg Southall
Telephone: 01384 814 179
Email:
Get Going Keep Going
Crystal Leisure Centre, Bell Street, Stourbridge, DY8 1AE
Contact: Greg Southall
Telephone: 01384 814 179
Email:
Orchard Saturday Fun & Games Club
Kids Orchard, Lye Bypass, Lye, DY9 8HA
Telephone: 01384 897 489
Email:
PASS Office
Aldersley Leisure Village,Hugh Porter Way, Wolverhampton, WV6 9NW
Contact: Alan Caron
Telephone: 07879 861 011
Email: