Empowering Young People Through Sport: Berkeley’s Sportember Initiative

At AFK, we believe sports can help young disabled and neurodiverse people grow, both physically and mentally. Sports teach confidence, teamwork, and social skills, but many disabled children face challenges when trying to take part. Research shows that disabled children are twice as likely to be physically inactive as other children. Many feel left out during PE at school because they don’t get the right support.

AFK is proud to partner with The Berkeley Foundation, whose funding has supported our work in helping disabled and neurodiverse young people develop and grow, often through sport. This month is ‘Sportember’ for Berkeley Foundation, a promotion aimed at showing how being involved in the sport community helps young people build confidence, leadership, and teamwork skills.

Devalle’s Story

One young person who has been inspired by sports is Devalle. He joined AFK’s Employment and Skills Programme after finishing his Sports BTEC. Devalle, who has a learning disability, loves basketball. Through our programme, he developed his leadership skills and led activities for other young people during one of our Leadership Programmes. His confidence grew as he worked with others.

Devalle took his passion a step further by starting Adaptive Ballers, an Instagram page focused on bridging the gap between wheelchair basketball and mainstream basketball. His goal is to make wheelchair basketball as popular and celebrated as traditional basketball. The page is not just about basketball; it’s about building a community where disabled athletes can be seen, heard, and inspired.

He is now connected with the London Titans, a top wheelchair basketball team, who have welcomed him and are supporting him in his journey to make basketball more inclusive. He is excited to learn from the players, coaches, and videographers and hopes to inspire others like him.

Through AFK’s programmes, he developed leadership skills, leading activities for other young people and growing in confidence. Devalle says:

“Sports has given me a lot in terms of being part of a team or sports community. It helped build friendships and a sense of belonging. Sports has influenced me with discipline, teamwork, leadership, and perseverance, and helped me set and reach goals.”

Sports like those seen in the Paralympics show what disabled athletes can achieve and send a strong message about inclusion. With support from the Berkeley Foundation, AFK works to ensure young disabled people can access the benefits of sport all year round, not just during global events. Their ‘Sportember’ campaign will raise even more awareness, promoting the importance of sport in helping young people, like Devalle, build essential life skills.

As part of the campaign, they will be attending AFK’s flagship fundraising event, AFK Beach. Their staff will be volunteering and fundraising to support our work, ensuring young people get the opportunities they need to thrive.

By providing opportunities for disabled young people to participate in sports, we aim to create a future where no one is left behind. Everyone deserves the chance to get involved, be active, and grow through sports.