International Day Of Persons With Disabilities

IDPWD: Matthew making his mark around the grounds!

Today, Sunday 3rd December, marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities. It is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities, as well as increase awareness, understanding and acceptance.

A large part of IDPWD is spreading awareness of the many positive effects of integrating persons with disabilities has, on not just the individual, but the people around them in society.

One year ago, Fulham FC’s grounds team employed Matthew Newman as a new assistant groundsperson. Matthew has, for many years, been one of the Fulham Badgers Down's syndrome team, and had worked extensively with Fulham FC Foundation DisAbility Development Manager Katy Shephard to best prepare him for a role at Fulham.

Initially on a 12 week placement through the DSWorkfit Scheme, then progressing into a permanent position, today Matthew remains an important and valued member of the team. One year on we caught up with a few of his colleague to discuss the impact that having Matthew in their team has had on them.

“We keep learning every day from Matthew. The team is very, very happy to have him on board. Before Matthew started here no one in our team really had any close experience working with a person with disabilities. Now everyone is learning from him.

"Taking him to his mum or dad at the end of the day, they are so thankful for what we do. They always speak so well about the football club and the Foundation.

"I think that everyone should have a chance at some stage of their life to work with someone like Matthew. When you are not down to be working with him on his working days, you are waiting for break time to be able to get to spend time with him, and make jokes with him.

"I am talking on behalf of the whole grounds team; all of us have been talking about how it has affected all of them outside of work, talking about Matthew at home with their families. When my mum calls me from her home in Belgium she asks me ‘how is Matthew?’ It has been affecting the lives of everyone.”

Esteve Sanchez, Fulham FC Groundsman at the Club’s Motspur Park Training Ground

As part of Matthew’s role, he also spends some of his working days at Craven Cottage working with the Grounds team there, where he works closely with Groundsman James Turnball.

Matthew is a huge Fulham fan and has been a Season Ticket Holder for many years. This job has allowed Matthew to realise his dream of working for his beloved football club and increasing his sense of belonging within the Fulham Family. James is able to see this pride in Matthew when he is at work.

“Having Matthew work with us at Craven Cottage is a privilege. It feels as if we are playing a small part in helping him gain some independence, whilst also learning a lot in the process.

"He is a valued member of our team, both as a worker but more importantly as a friend and colleague. He does most of the jobs that we do on a daily basis, to 100% of his ability.

"There is never a dull moment working with Matthew, his inquisitive nature keeps you on your toes all the time. His desire to constantly ask questions about what we are doing and learn about it is very admirable. His sense of humour and funny comments keep us chuckling throughout what could’ve been a slow day, every time he is here.

"I have personally learned a lot from Matthew. The main thing that I have learned is perseverance and work ethic. Despite all the challenges Matt has had in life, he comes in every day with a positive attitude and gives his all to every task. He keeps trying and trying if he can’t do something first time. I can say for sure that this has rubbed off on me, what excuse do I have to not put in the effort and try as hard as Matt does at everything?

"I can see the difference working at the Club has made to Matthew, he gets to walk around and work at the club that he loves so much. I believe the independence and skills that he learns whilst working with us will definitely help him develop as a person.”

James Turnball, Fulham FC Groundsman at Craven Cottage

One of the biggest issues facing those with disabilities in today’s society is marginalisation and exclusion. For a myriad of reasons, those with disabilities are often shut off from key aspects of society, in terms of social circles, workplaces, cultural life and more. This is extremely isolating and can severely affect the mental health of those being excluded. It is important to us at Fulham, both at the Club and Fulham FC Foundation, that we use days like the International Day of Persons with Disabilities to encourage everyone to see and understand the benefits to all through the inclusion of all people in all aspects of life.

“Seeing the positive impact that Matthew has had on the team, and the whole of the football club in this last year, has been remarkable. He has helped them to learn and develop in the same way that they have supported him. Long may this continue!”

Katy Shephard, DisAbility Development Manager, Fulham FC Foundation

To find out more about Fulham’s work supporting people with disabilities through Fulham FC Foundation please email disability@fulhamfc.com