On Sunday 12th March 2023, Fulham FC Foundation’s fourth Annual DisAbility Matchday March took place.
Approximately 60 young people and adults from our DisAbility programmes took part, supported by their families, friends, other Fulham supporters and staff from Fulham FC Foundation, walking a four mile route starting and finishing at Craven Cottage.
The walk is held to show support for our DisAbility programmes and raise funds to facilitate the running of a wide range of activities, including our Active Autism, DS Badgers, Blind and VI football and Pan DisAbility football weekly sessions.
Participants taking part were also busy searching for clues along the route, with messages from Marco Silva and a number of the First Team Squad helping our Marchers solve the ‘Billy Trail Puzzle’ – each clue relating to a letter to make up the words ‘Fulham Family’! Each participant successful in finding all the clues earned themselves a Fulham FC goodie bag, in addition to their DisAbility Matchday March Medal.
As the group arrived back at Craven Cottage to cross the finish-line, we had the privilege of being greeted with a guard of honour made by the USA National Cerebral Palsy Football Team, and a large crowd of both Fulham and Arsenal supporters waiting at the Cottage Gates to cheer them across the finish line!
“That was the best thing ever, when we got back to the stadium and they were all clapping for us” - Declan, Junior Pan DisAbility Participant.
The day was made even more special when everyone who attended the game following the March was able to go onto the pitch at Craven Cottage prior to kick-off to be greeted by all the fans in the stadium, a very emotional and happy moment for them all! Assistant Groundsman, and DS Badgers participant, Matthew was even showing off his brilliant dance moves on the pitch!
“Thanks for the wonderful day out at Fulham. By helping us get access to Craven Cottage and being so welcoming at Fulham you really added a terrific day to our trip. Our group loved the stadium and the beautiful surrounds. Thank you again for your kindness and spirit of collegiality.” - Ashley, USA National Cerebral Palsy Soccer Coach
“I would like to say a massive thank you to all the participants, staff and supporters for their involvement in the DisAbility Matchday March this year. It really does mean the world to be able to organise events like this and raise funds that will be spent on helping to provide opportunities for participants with disabilities, enabling them to take part in the beautiful game in an environment best suited to their needs. Being supported by the wider Fulham Family on the day, as well as the Arsenal fans and the USA National Cerebral Palsy Football team made the day even more special.” - Katy Shephard, DisAbility Development Manager, Fulham FC Foundation
To date, our DisAbility Matchday March has raised £5250 towards DisAbility programmes at Fulham FC Foundation, with donations still open.
