Bringing the Beautiful Game
to People with Disabilities
For many people, football is more than just a game; it’s a lifeline. At AFC Bournemouth, the community-focused Special Educational Needs (SEN) sessions embody this ethos, creating a space where everyone, regardless of ability, can experience the joy of the game.
This initiative is spearheaded by Steve Cuss, someone who not only manages AFC Bournemouth Women but is also Head of Community at the club. These sessions are changing lives and redefine what success means on and off the pitch.
Keeping the sessions accessible was something that Cuss felt passionately about: “It's important from a community element that we're offering football for all. Whether that's an older generation with our walking football or the SEN group or girls and women's, whatever we can organise and allow people to play is what we try to do in community.”
“We keep cost absolute to a minimum; it's three pound a week but they have the opportunity to progress into teams out of that as well which gives us great pleasure.”
Currently, around 120 young people attend these sessions weekly, highlighting their importance for the Dorset community. “Football is a great game, and everybody should have the opportunity to play it. The fact that we can put these sessions on and see the enjoyment young people get from them, especially when they represent the club in matches, is fantastic.” Cuss said.
For Steve and his team, it’s never been about extrinsic rewards: “Success is taking part for me, the inclusion part of it. We set ourselves out in the community to engage with as many different people as we possibly can and seeing them all take part is our success.”
The sessions at Ringwood have been such a hit that there are now Thursday sessions as well as their regular slot of 17:00 - 21:00 on a Monday night. They also host a power chair team on Fridays.
The program has also extended much further than just on the pitch: “We’ve started to work a lot more in the schools, SEN schools as well. That provides us with an opportunity to get young people engaged in football and then provide them with an exit route outside of school to continue [playing].
“Being part of a team, whether that's a professional team or a grassroots team, you always feel valued in that team, and I think that's an important part of the game.”
At its core, the SEN program is about enjoyment: “Football is a great game so first and foremost, it’s about having fun.” Cuss emphasised.
“For people to reach their potential, whether that is playing for a local team, progressing into one of the more advanced teams or even one day becoming a professional, whatever that might be, you need to enjoy your football along the way.”
A man of many talents: Steve Cuss manages AFC Bournemouth Women as well as being Head of Community for the club | Photo by: Zach Sampson
A man of many talents: Steve Cuss manages AFC Bournemouth Women as well as being Head of Community for the club | Photo by: Zach Sampson
AFC Bournemouth’s SEN sessions reflect a commitment to inclusion and community. Through accessible programs, the club ensures that everyone, regardless of ability, can find their place in the beautiful game.
As Steve Cuss and his team continue to expand opportunities, they exemplify the transformative power of football, proving that success isn’t just about winning but participation, connection, and joy.
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