Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation

The Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation aims to run a drop in group for parents of children with autism which will meet once a week. This group will give parents the opportunity to seek advice from professionals as well as other parents facing similiar experiences.

The Depatment for Education’s analysis of children with special educational needs (2015) found 64 primary school children and 50 secondary school children in Hartlepool with ASDs attending state-funded schools with a statement of special educational needs or at ‘school action plus’. An additional 31 children with ADSs attended special schools. This a potential 150+ children we can hopefully introduce to football and its benefits – teamwork and developing relationships as well as fitness.

The funding will be used to provide staff and venue hire at Hartlepool United’s ‘Super Six Stadium’ where we already run a similiar group for veterans.

We also hope to to run an autism friendly football coaching session for children – subject to funding – which will help participants develop confidence and social interation as well as health and fitness. The two groups will interlink and the intention is to work with the Football Club to offer training to staff to make the matchday experience more welcoming for those with autism.

We already work closely with disabled groups within the town but have the support and guidance of Bringing Communities Together/Awesome Autism to ensure we meet the specific needs of those with autism.