On Saturday 10^th October, Swindon Town FC Community Foundation held its first Disability Festival of the ²⁰²⁶⁄₂₇ season, supported by the Premier League Fans Fund. More than 50 disabled children, many of whom had never visited Swindon Town before, came along to Foundation Park for an activity-filled morning of sport and exercise.

For over an hour, the participants enjoyed the fantastic facilities within the Nigel Eady multi-sports dome, taking part in up to eight different activities including ten-pin bowling, dodgeball, basketball and penalty shootouts. There was a huge amount of energy as the children worked their way through which activity they wished. But for those wanting to take a break, Chris Kyle and Vic Morgan from the Official Supporters Club were on hand to provide fascinating talks about the history of the club. Furthermore, the event was supported by Swindon Town FC first team player Fletcher Holman, who spent an hour talking with everyone, signing autographs, posing for photographs and getting involved with some of the activities. ​“I really enjoyed being part of the day and connecting with our supporters in such a fun and engaging way. There was so much going on, it was great to see Swindon Town delivering these types of events.” – Fletcher Holman

Following the event, participants and their family members received free tickets to the Swindon Town vs Crewe Alexandra match, which took place immediately after the conclusion of the session. Although the result didn’t go our way, many of the participants enjoyed the thrill of the match, saying they would love to come back. 

The event – the first of four planned for this season – was a resounding success with considerable positive feedback from parents and carers. 

“It was a fantastic morning, made even more special by seeing so many participants engaging, enjoying themselves and creating lasting memories at our disability event. Over 85% of those who attended had never experienced a Swindon Town FC matchday before, so being able to provide children with the opportunity to attend their first-ever football match was incredibly rewarding. Events like this demonstrate the power of football to bring people together, create inclusive experiences and make a real difference in people’s lives. This is something we are incredibly passionate about at Swindon Town Community Foundation. I’m hugely grateful to the Premier League Foundation and their Fans Fund project for making this opportunity possible and helping us create such a memorable experience for the children and their families.” 

Swindon Town FC Community Foundation has lined up further disability events later in the season, each with a different focus:
Saturday 6^th February 2027 – Visually Impaired and Blind participants
Saturday 6^th March 2027 – Women & Girls participants
Saturday 17^th April 2027 – Wheelchair participants

“Swindon Town FC Community Foundation is grateful for the support of the Premier League Fans Fund, which enables us to deliver these inclusive events through to the end of the ²⁰²⁷⁄₂₈ season. Our objective is to ensure that disabled people feel connected to both the Community Foundation and the Football Club, and know that they are welcome to take part in sporting activities and watch professional football in a safe and accessible environment at the County Ground.”
– Darren Howell, Partnerships & Strategic Manager, Swindon Town FC Community Foundation.

The Swindon Town FC Community Foundation Disability Festivals are supported by the Premier League Fans Fund. The Premier League Fans Fund provides grants to support football clubs at all levels of the game to strengthen connections between them, their fans and local communities.