Westport United FC has been officially accredited as an Autism Friendly Champion by Westport Autism Friendly Town (WAFT), becoming the latest organisation in the town to complete the champion scheme  and launching an innovative new programme that is the first of its kind.

The accreditation recognises the club's commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive and accessible environment for autistic players, supporters and their families  on the pitch, on the sidelines and in the clubhouse.

At the heart of the initiative is the club's Football For All programme, which takes place every Saturday. Funded by SICAP (the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme), the club has partnered with local occupational therapist Anita Walsh, who is co-designing a brand new training programme  the first of its kind  to educate volunteers on how to train and lead sessions for all children with additional needs.

The programme equips volunteers to understand and support autistic players across four key areas: predictability, communication, judgement and the sensory environment. Sessions feature sensory equipment and a bespoke programme designed to develop children's motor skills  but most important of all is the sense of community and belonging it creates for every child who takes part.

To achieve champion status, Westport United completed autism-friendly training delivered in partnership with AsIAm, Ireland's national autism charity, alongside Westport Autism Friendly town.

Brian, Chairperson said:. 'Football is for everyone, and Football For All is our promise that every child is welcome at Westport United. Working with Anita and WAFT has shown us that small changes make a big difference, and we'd encourage every club in Mayo to get involved.

 

Local Children’s Occupational Therapist Anita Walsh is also supporting the programme by creating a bespoke, neuroaffirming training and support programme for Westport United coaches and volunteers. The aim is to help make football sessions easier to understand, access and enjoy for children with different communication, sensory, movement and regulation needs. The work is focused on building coach confidence, strengthening inclusion and creating supports that can be sustained within the club over time.

 

Anita Walsh, Children's Occupational Therapist says “Inclusion is about more than simply having a place available. It is about making sure children can understand what is happening, communicate what they need, feel comfortable in the environment and take part in ways that are meaningful for them. Westport United already has a wonderful foundation through Football For All and their coaches, and this project is about building on that with practical, sustainable supports for coaches, children and families. The partnership between Westport United, Westport Autism Friendly Town, SICAP and Occupational Therapy feels really unique and has the potential to become a strong model for other community sports clubs. It's something I feel very proud and privileged to be part off".

 

Westport Autism Friendly Town is a volunteer-led community initiative working in partnership with AsIAm to make Westport more inclusive for autistic people and their families as part of a three-year plan. A growing network of local businesses, public services, sports clubs and voluntary organisations have already been accredited as champions, with more currently in training.

Families interested in Football For All, or local organisations interested in becoming an Autism Friendly Champion, can find out more at www.waft.ie or by contacting info@waft.ie.