Each season, Fulham FC Foundation host the Inclusive Schools League at Fulham FC Training Ground in Motspur Park.
The Inclusive Schools League is an exciting opportunity specifically designed for secondary students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), offering a well-rounded experience that goes beyond just competitive football fixtures.
Key features of the program for 2024/25 include:
Regular Fixtures: Teams will participate in fixtures throughout each term, giving students regular opportunities to play and develop their skills.
Stadium Tour: As part of the package, teams will receive a complimentary tour of Fulham FC’s iconic stadium, enhancing the overall experience for the students.
Mental Wellbeing Workshops: These workshops are an important element, aimed at supporting not only the players but also the staff and parents. They will focus on mental health and wellbeing, which is essential for fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all involved.
This initiative promotes physical fitness, mental wellbeing, and inclusion, offering a supportive environment for SEND students to thrive both on and off the field.
Over the 2023/24 academic year, over 50 schools took part, across three matchdays worth of fixtures, with it all coming down to the finals set of games to see who would come out triumphant. In some cases, the winners being decided by the result of the last game!
A really important part of the league season for us is the Cornelius McSweeney Respect League; which allows teams to earn respect points over the course of the season for fair play and sportsmanship for the whole team.
This was hotly contested for the 2023/24 season, with some very tight league tables. The winners crowned were often just a single point in front of multiple other teams.
2023/24 Inclusive Schools Winners
KS4 – Premiership – Sunnydown School
KS4 – Championship – The Link Secondary
KS4 – League – Sunnydown School
KS3/4 Girls – Undershaw Education Trust
KS3 – Premiership – Sunnydown School
KS3 – Championship – The Abbey School
KS3 – League – Blossom House
Cornelius McSweeney Respect League
KS4 – Premiership – Sunnydown School
KS4 – Championship – New Barn
KS4 – League – Blossom House
KS3/4 Girls – Blossom House
KS3 – Premiership – New Barn
KS3 – Championship – The Link Secondary
KS3 – League – Sunnydown School
From our end of season survey, the students and teachers surveyed said:
“The whole experience was brilliant, the facilities amazing, great staff at Fulham and very competitive matches. We love the online results format!” - Teacher, Sunnydown School
“My highlight of this season was scoring and working as a team, next season we need to work on our communication as a team.” - Student, Elm Court School
After a wonderful 2023/24 season, we look forward to welcoming everyone back again, with registrations for the new season being taken now. If you would like to find out more about the Inclusive Schools League 2024/25 get in touch with the team today.
