Croydon Council Hosts Free Multi-Sport SEND Festival for Disabled Youth

Key Points

• Croydon Council and Access Sport are hosting the annual festival of sport for disabled children and young people aged five to 25 at New Addington Leisure Centre on Thursday 19 February.
• The free event offers taster sessions in various sports, including rebound therapy using trampolines to improve movement and balance, inclusive dance, boccia, football, and more.
• The festival serves as a community gathering for young people and their families to explore sport in a supportive and inclusive environment, aiming to help participants discover a sport they love and encourage long-term participation.
• It forms part of Croydon Council’s RAP disability sports programme and Access Sport’s Changing Places London work, run in partnership with BETTER and local organisations such as Palace for Life Foundation.
• Children and young people with disabilities who enjoy the taster sessions can sign up for the RAP programme’s regular sessions and courses, with a short promotional video available on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/access_sportuk/reel/DTiB4udkaqy/.
• Parent Felicia, whose 22-year-old son Cameron attends RAP sessions, stated: “Cameron likes doing sports, so whenever RAP is happening he wants to go. He enjoys racket sports, like tennis, and basketball and he enjoys being able to try new things. He has also had the opportunity to take part in the London Youth Games and did well – he got a gold medal!”
• Parent Lily, who has taken her 16-year-old daughter Sydney to RAP clubs for seven years, stated: “My daughter absolutely enjoys the activities – she enjoys the social aspect as well. The coaches help her to grow. For us as a family it means a lot. While she is swimming, I can go to the gym and that gives me the strength that when she comes out, I can take care of her and support her in the best way.”
• Croydon has one of the largest under-19 populations in London, with supporting young people to thrive as a key priority for Executive Mayor Jason Perry.
• Executive Mayor Jason Perry said: “Croydon is proud to champion inclusion and opportunity for all our young people. Our annual festival of sport is a fantastic way for children and young adults with disabilities to discover new activities, build confidence, and have fun. Through programmes like RAP, we’re breaking down barriers and creating a healthier, more active borough where every young person can thrive.”
• The RAP programme has notable achievements: in May, a Croydon team competed in the London Youth Games Para Swimming Gala, where all swimmers won medals, including a team silver for the boys.
• In August, the RAP disability sports programme was recognised as Club of the Month by Every Body Moves, Paralympics GB’s grassroots participation initiative, for its commitment to inclusion and excellence.

New Addington (South London News) January 2026 – Croydon Council and Access Sport will host a free Multi-Sport SEND Festival for disabled children and young people aged five to 25 at New Addington Leisure Centre on Thursday 19 February, offering taster sessions in rebound therapy, inclusive dance, boccia, football and more to foster long-term participation in inclusive sports.​

What Is the Multi-Sport SEND Festival?

The festival represents more than a standard sports event; it functions as a community gathering designed specifically for young people with disabilities and their families. As detailed in the official announcement from Croydon Council, the initiative creates a supportive and inclusive environment where participants can explore various sports. The core goal remains straightforward yet impactful: to enable young people to identify a sport they enjoy and motivate them to sustain involvement well beyond the day itself.​

This annual event aligns with broader efforts to promote physical activity among disabled youth. Organisers emphasise accessibility, ensuring all taster sessions cater to diverse needs. Rebound therapy, for instance, leverages trampolines to enhance movement and balance, while other activities like boccia and inclusive football adapt traditional sports for broader participation.​

Who Is Organising the Event and What Partnerships Exist?

Croydon Council leads the organisation alongside Access Sport, integrating the festival into the Council’s established RAP disability sports programme. It also ties into Access Sport’s Changing Places London initiative. Partnerships extend to BETTER and local groups such as the Palace for Life Foundation, amplifying resources and expertise.​

These collaborations underscore a coordinated approach to inclusion. The RAP programme, in particular, provides a pathway for ongoing engagement, with attendees from the festival able to join regular sessions and courses immediately after. A promotional video shared by Access Sport on Instagram offers a glimpse into the programme’s offerings, highlighting dynamic activities in action.​

What Do Parents Say About the RAP Programme?

Testimonials from parents highlight the programme’s transformative effects. Felicia, parent of 22-year-old Cameron who attends RAP sessions, shared her perspective:

“Cameron likes doing sports, so whenever RAP is happening he wants to go. He enjoys racket sports, like tennis, and basketball and he enjoys being able to try new things. He has also had the opportunity to take part in the London Youth Games and did well – he got a gold medal!”​

Similarly, Lily, who has brought her 16-year-old daughter Sydney to RAP clubs for seven years, remarked:

“My daughter absolutely enjoys the activities – she enjoys the social aspect as well. The coaches help her to grow. For us as a family it means a lot. While she is swimming, I can go to the gym and that gives me the strength that when she comes out, I can take care of her and support her in the best way.”​

These accounts, drawn directly from the Croydon Council release, illustrate benefits extending beyond physical activity to social development and family support.

Why Does Croydon Prioritise This Initiative?

Croydon boasts one of London’s largest under-19 populations, making youth support a cornerstone of local policy. Executive Mayor Jason Perry positions inclusive sports as essential to fostering a healthier, more active borough. He stated:

“Croydon is proud to champion inclusion and opportunity for all our young people. Our annual festival of sport is a fantastic way for children and young adults with disabilities to discover new activities, build confidence, and have fun. Through programmes like RAP, we’re breaking down barriers and creating a healthier, more active borough where every young person can thrive.”​

This emphasis aligns with Perry’s broader vision for youth thriving. Access to such opportunities addresses barriers often faced by disabled young people, promoting confidence and community integration.​

What Achievements Has the RAP Programme Recorded?

The RAP programme demonstrates a robust history of success. In May, a Croydon team participated in the London Youth Games Para Swimming Gala, securing medals for all swimmers, including a team silver for the boys.​

Further recognition came in August, when Every Body Moves – Paralympics GB’s grassroots participation initiative – named RAP as Club of the Month. This accolade celebrated the programme’s dedication to inclusion and excellence, as noted in the official coverage.​

When and Where Will the Festival Take Place?

The event occurs at New Addington Leisure Centre on Thursday 19 February, remaining entirely free to encourage maximum attendance. Sessions target ages five to 25, with no prior experience required.​

Families can register directly through Croydon Council channels, ensuring seamless access. The venue’s facilities support the diverse activities planned, from trampoline-based therapy to team sports.​

How Can Families Get Involved?

Interested children and young people with disabilities need only attend the taster sessions to explore options. Successful participants can transition to RAP’s regular offerings, building sustained habits. Parents and carers play a key role, with the event welcoming family involvement to enhance the communal atmosphere.​

Registration details appear on the Croydon Council news site, alongside the Instagram video for further insight. Early sign-up is advised given the event’s popularity.​

What Broader Impact Does the Festival Have?

By breaking down barriers, the festival contributes to Croydon’s health agenda. It aligns with national efforts to boost grassroots sports, particularly post-Paralympics recognition. The involvement of partners like BETTER ensures scalability, potentially expanding reach borough-wide.​

Local leaders view it as pivotal for youth development amid Croydon’s demographic profile. Sustained programmes like RAP exemplify how one-off events evolve into lasting change, with parent stories evidencing real-world gains in physical, social, and familial spheres.