Not Holding Back at Norwich City Community Sports Foundation: James’ Story

Growing up with a cochlear implant to assist with his hearing, which he continues to use, James joined Norwich Community Sports Foundation’s disability football programme at the age of 10 after his family discovered the Foundation’s hearing impairment football sessions that take place on a Friday evening at Carrow Park. 

The Foundation provides an inclusive environment in a variety of provisions to ensure their local community can access support for physical, mental and social wellbeing.

After embarking on the Foundation’s Football and Education Programme, James then took the next step, successfully applying for an apprenticeship at the Foundation. And he has now gone full circle, helping to coach the next generation of disability football participants.  

Disability and Inclusion Manager, Darren Hunter, said: “James is proving that having a disability shouldn’t hold you back in anything that you do and he’s testament to that. He’s a great role model for anybody that wants to come and be a coach, test themselves and push themselves further.” 

Norwich City is one of many Clubs in the English Football League (EFL) who run pivotal programmes, and in 2023/24 1.10m people engaged with community programmes delivered by EFL Clubs and Club charities, of which, 10% had a disability. Last season alone,  football training sessions for adults, children and young people with disabilities engaged 9,397 participants.