Every month, Oxford United in the Community pens a ‘Community Column’ in the Oxford Mail, discussing the latest developments and achievements within the charity. 

This month, we have a guest columnist in Lee Humber – Adult Learning Disability Coordinator at Abingdon and Witney College. Here, Lee discusses the rise of Oxford United in the Community’s disability football programme.

Almost one-quarter of people in the UK live with a disability – that’s a staggering 16 million individuals living with a condition which limits their movements, senses or activities.

As someone who is passionate about opening doors and inspiring adults living with a learning disability to have positive aspirations for their futures, I read Sport England’s Active Lives 2022 survey with a great deal of concern.

It revealed only 45% of people living with a disability are active, compared to 66% of the rest of the population.

Furthermore, findings confirmed disabled adults are less likely to volunteer and support sport or physical activity sessions while 18% of disabled people reported feelings of loneliness.

Why is this, I ask.

Since partnering with Oxford United in the Community by launching our weekly disability football sessions, it has been reinforced to us that demand for sporting provisions delivered exclusively to those living with a disability is perhaps greater than ever.

Our primary goal by delivering sessions is to increase training and playing opportunities for sports-mad adults and young people.

You can read Lee’s column in full by clicking here.