Cornwall FA x Brandon Trust – Partnership Announcement

We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Brandon Trust, a leading charity supporting people with learning disabilities and autism. This partnership will help us create more football opportunities across Cornwall by establishing Disability Football Hubs. The initiative is supported by a grant from the FA’s Journey to Inclusion fund, helping to make football more accessible for people with disabilities throughout the county.

How the Partnership Began

Chloe Harris, Football Development Officer for Women, Girls and Disability, contacted the Brandon Trust to explore potential ideas for working together. The initial meeting was held to explore ideas and identify ways in which Cornwall FA and Brandon Trust could support each other and get more people involved in football and all its benefits.

Chloe Harris, who previously worked for the Brandon Trust, highlighted the partnership's benefits: "Both the Brandon Trust and Cornwall FA believe everyone should have equal opportunities, not only in football but all aspects of life. This partnership is already making a positive impact, and we’re excited to work together to enhance disability football in Cornwall."

This partnership is a step forward in supporting both Cornwall FA and Brandon Trust’s mission of creating safe and inclusive spaces for people with disabilities. Rory Jarvis, Deputy Manager at Brandon Trust: "It’s fantastic to see two organisations from different sectors have come together to shape the future of disability football. The impact extends beyond the pitch – empowering people, boosting confidence, and creating opportunities for personal development."

Securing the funding

Last year, the FA released the Journey to Inclusion Fund, created to encourage more grassroots clubs to open their doors to people with disabilities, providing them with the opportunity to play and get involved with football in their local community.

Since November 2023, Chloe, Richard (Cornwall FA Football Services Manager), Rory and Nick (Brandon Trust) have been working on a bid to secure the funding for this project. Richard Pallot: “We worked hard to put together a bid for this fund, so to see that rewarded is incredibly satisfying”.

Within less than 12 months, the partnership has achieved significant recognition, with a two-year grant being approved by The FA to fund the Disability Hubs. Both Cornwall FA and the Brandon Trust are committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project. "Being awarded the funding was incredible," said Richard. "It’s the result of a lot of hard work and passion from both teams. We all believe in changing lives through football, and this funding will allow us to do just that."

Rory tells us about when he shared the good news with Kieran, Brandon FC captain: “When I shared the news with Kieran, one of our players who inspired the hubs, he said, 'That’s just the start, isn’t it?' And he’s right. This is just the beginning of something much bigger”.

St Austell Disability Football Hub

With the funding being secured, we are excited to announce that we will open the first Disability Hub in St Austell next month, in November, achieving a major milestone in the partnership. It will provide a safe and welcoming environment where people can enjoy playing football and making friends in the community.

Richard tells us: “The lack of provision for disability football in St Austell was something we were eager to address. The interest in the hub is already high, and we’re excited to offer opportunities to people who may not have had access to football before."

There are plans in place to set up more Disability Football Hubs across the county, which will be announced further down the line.

Looking to the Future

As the partnership grows, both organisations see the potential for this model to be replicated across the UK. "The sky is the limit," said Richard. "Brandon Trust is a national organisation doing fantastic work in communities. We believe this project could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives across the country."

St Austell Disability Hub Opening and Session Details

We are excited to share that we will be opening the first Cornwall FA x Brandon Trust Disability Football Hub on Wednesday 20^th November at the St Austell Leisure Centre. Sessions will run every Wednesday from 2:30-3:30 pm.

Details:

WHEN?                           Every Wednesday from 20^th November.

*3 week break over Christmas: last session will be on 18^th December and restart again on 8^th January.

TIME:                              2:30 – 3:30 PM.

ADDRESS:                     St Austell Leisure Centre, Carlyon Rd, St Austell, Saint Austell PL25 4DB

DISABILITIES:               Pan-disability, Downs syndrome football, Learning disability football

SURFACE:                      Indoor.

AGE:                               From 16 years old

PRICE:                            £3

BOOK:  https://buff.ly/3Ab72gC

CONTACT:                     If you have any questions at booking on to these session please contact: Chloe Harris – chloe.harris@cornwallfa.com.