The Enable Ability and the University of Portsmouth partnership stepped up a gear this month, as our university student volunteers led their very first PLAYCE Pompey multisports session alongside Enable Ability staff.
Held on Saturday 2nd May at the innovative PLAYCE Pompey outdoor activity space, the session welcomed young people aged 11-15 with additional needs for a morning focused on movement, confidence building and inclusive sport.
Although attendance was smaller than hoped with just four young people, the impact on the four who attended was significant. The relaxed structure of the session allowed everyone to engage at their own pace, with activities adapted around individual abilities, energy levels and confidence. Despite some team games and simple skills-based challenges, the focus remained firmly on enjoyment, participation and creating a welcoming environment where young people felt comfortable trying something new.
University student volunteers Fredrik, Sammy and Nadia led the activities throughout the morning, working closely with Portsmouth Teenage Project staff to deliver a session that was energetic, welcoming and fully inclusive. For the students, the morning provided valuable hands-on experience in communication, leadership and adaptive coaching, while also helping strengthen the growing partnership between the university and the charity.
Located in the heart of the city, very close to the charity’s very own Landport Community Centre, PLAYCE Pompey itself provided the perfect location for the session; the colourful and accessible outdoor space was designed using the Netherlands-based Athletic Skills Model, encouraging movement through activities such as balancing, climbing, throwing and jumping. Unlike traditional sports courts, PLAYCE Pompey was created to be fully-inclusive, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to move, socialise and build confidence together within one shared environment.
The project forms part of a wider vision shared by Enable Ability and the University of Portsmouth, to create more accessible and affordable opportunities for young people with additional needs across the city. By involving student volunteers and community partnerships, the charity is able to keep activity costs low while continuing to expand the range of experiences available to local families.
Following the success of the first session, the PLAYCE Pompey multisports sessions will now continue on a monthly basis throughout the summer months, giving more young people the opportunity to access inclusive outdoor activity in a supportive and welcoming setting.
The Portsmouth Teenage Project would also like to thank Fredrik, Sammy and Nadia for their enthusiasm and commitment in helping launch the first session and creating such a positive experience for the young people who attended.
The charity is also exploring opportunities to promote future PLAYCE Pompey sessions and wider community activities through local housing and neighbourhood newsletters, helping to ensure more families across the Landport area are aware of other inclusive opportunities available through Enable Ability’s community programmes, with future plans to strengthen our ties with the local community of Landport through the school, community garden, church and other local community groups. Watch this space!
