Southwark Stars: South London Disability Football Pioneers

Key Points

• Southwark Stars FC, based in Southwark, south London, is a football club dedicated to adults with learning disabilities.
• The club launched south London’s first disabled and non-disabled women’s inclusive football tournament in December.
• It is the only team in south London specifically for women with learning disabilities.
• Founded in 2019 by Louis Wickett-Padgham, a disability sport specialist.
• The club now provides weekly sessions for 80 people across London.
• Louis Wickett-Padgham emphasises: “Everyone should have access to play football. Sadly, that’s not the case for lots of players with a learning disability.”
• Players have joined in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s, many experiencing their first welcoming football team.
• A team of coaches supports Louis Wickett-Padgham in managing the club.
• The initiative promotes inclusivity by hosting tournaments open to both disabled and non-disabled women.
• The story was first reported by Maxine Brigue, highlighting the club’s groundbreaking women’s tournament.

Southwark (South London News) February 3, 2026 – Southwark Stars FC, a pioneering football club for adults with learning disabilities, has launched south London’s first inclusive women’s tournament featuring both disabled and non-disabled players. Hosted in December, the event marks a significant milestone for the club, which stands as the only team in south London catering specifically to women with learning disabilities. Founded in 2019 by disability sport specialist Louis Wickett-Padgham, the club now serves 80 participants across London through weekly sessions, fostering an environment where players of all ages feel truly welcome.

What is Southwark Stars FC and How Did It Begin?

Southwark Stars FC emerged in 2019 under the leadership of Louis Wickett-Padgham, a dedicated disability sport specialist. Alongside a committed team of coaches, he manages the club’s operations, ensuring weekly sessions reach 80 individuals across London. As reported by Maxine Brigue in the original coverage, the club addresses a critical gap in accessible sport:

“Everyone should have access to play football. Sadly, that’s not the case for lots of players with a learning disability,”

stated Louis Wickett-Padgham.

The club’s mission centres on inclusivity, providing a space for adults with learning disabilities who have often been excluded from mainstream teams. Players have joined at various life stages—20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s—many for the first time finding a football team where they feel accepted.

“We’ve had players join us in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s who’ve never had a chance to join a football team where they feel welcome,”

highlights the club’s ethos, as captured in early reports.

Why Did Southwark Stars Launch a Women’s Inclusive Tournament?

The women’s tournament, held in December, represents south London’s first event blending disabled and non-disabled women’s teams. Southwark Stars FC, already the sole south London team for women with learning disabilities, hosted this groundbreaking initiative to broaden participation. Maxine Brigue, in her detailed write-up, noted the launch as a pivotal step towards greater inclusivity in women’s football.

Louis Wickett-Padgham’s vision drives such events, emphasising equal access regardless of ability. The tournament not only showcased the club’s women’s team but also invited non-disabled participants, challenging barriers in local sport. This aligns with the club’s broader goal of weekly sessions that build confidence and community among 80 London-based players.

Who is Louis Wickett-Padgham and What Role Does He Play?

Louis Wickett-Padgham, the founder and manager of Southwark Stars FC, brings expertise as a disability sport specialist. He established the club in 2019, recruiting a team of coaches to deliver structured weekly sessions. As quoted by Maxine Brigue, Louis Wickett-Padgham asserts:

“Everyone should have access to play football. Sadly, that’s not the case for lots of players with a learning disability.”

Under his guidance, the club has grown to support 80 players across London, with a focus on adults who join later in life. His hands-on management ensures sessions remain welcoming, directly addressing the exclusion faced by those with learning disabilities. Wickett-Padgham’s leadership has positioned Southwark Stars as a trailblazer, particularly with the December women’s tournament.

How Does the Club Support Players Across London?

Weekly sessions form the backbone of Southwark Stars FC, accommodating 80 participants from various London boroughs. These gatherings, overseen by Louis Wickett-Padgham and his coaching team, prioritise skill-building in a supportive atmosphere. The club’s reach extends beyond Southwark, drawing players who have never before found a suitable team.

The inclusive model welcomes late joiners, with many in their 20s to 50s experiencing football’s joys for the first time. As per Maxine Brigue’s reporting, this accessibility counters the systemic barriers in disability sport. The December tournament further exemplified this, uniting disabled and non-disabled women in competition.

What Makes Southwark Stars Unique in South London?

Southwark Stars FC holds the distinction of being south London’s only football team for women with learning disabilities. Launched in 2019, it fills a void in an area where such opportunities remain scarce. The club’s December women’s tournament—south London’s first inclusive event for disabled and non-disabled players—underscores its pioneering status.

Managed by Louis Wickett-Padgham and coaches, it serves 80 weekly participants, many joining later in life.

“We’ve had players join us in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s who’ve never had a chance to join a football team where they feel welcome,”

reflects the club’s transformative impact, as noted by Maxine Brigue.

When and Where Was the Women’s Tournament Held?

The tournament took place in December in Southwark, hosted by Southwark Stars FC. This event marked south London’s inaugural inclusive women’s competition, open to both disabled and non-disabled teams. Coverage by Maxine Brigue details how it built on the club’s established sessions for 80 players.

Louis Wickett-Padgham’s team organised the event to promote unity in women’s football. Held locally, it drew participants from across London, reinforcing the club’s role since its 2019 founding.

Why is Access to Football Crucial for Adults with Learning Disabilities?

Louis Wickett-Padgham stresses the importance of sport for all, lamenting the exclusion of those with learning disabilities.

“Everyone should have access to play football. Sadly, that’s not the case for lots of players with a learning disability,”

he told reporters, as cited by Maxine Brigue. Southwark Stars FC counters this through inclusive sessions and events like the December tournament.

The club’s weekly programme for 80 players fosters social bonds and physical health. Players in their 20s to 50s gain unprecedented opportunities, highlighting football’s role in empowerment.

How Has the Club Grown Since 2019?

From its 2019 inception by Louis Wickett-Padgham, Southwark Stars FC has expanded to 80 weekly participants across London. A team of coaches supports his management, enabling consistent sessions. The December women’s tournament signals further ambition, as south London’s first inclusive event.

Maxine Brigue’s account captures the growth, noting players joining at later ages. This evolution positions the club as a model for disability-inclusive sport.

What Challenges Do Players Face Without Clubs Like Southwark Stars?

Many adults with learning disabilities lack welcoming teams, as Louis Wickett-Padgham observes:

“Sadly, that’s not the case for lots of players with a learning disability.”

Previously reported by Maxine Brigue, this exclusion persists despite football’s popularity. Southwark Stars addresses it via weekly sessions for 80 and inclusive tournaments.

Late joiners in their 20s to 50s exemplify the demand, having missed earlier chances.

Who Are the Players Joining Southwark Stars?

Participants span ages 20s to 50s, many entering football for the first time in a supportive setting.

“We’ve had players join us in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s who’ve never had a chance to join a football team where they feel welcome,”

states the club’s narrative, per Maxine Brigue. Weekly sessions draw 80 from London, managed by Louis Wickett-Padgham.

The women’s team, unique in south London, led the December tournament.

What’s Next for Southwark Stars FC?

Building on the December tournament, the club eyes further inclusivity under Louis Wickett-Padgham. With 80 weekly players and a coaching team, expansion seems likely. The initiative continues to champion access, as pioneered since 2019.

Maxine Brigue’s reporting underscores its potential to inspire similar efforts.