MFC Foundation’s Premier League/BT Disability project provides opportunities for people across the Tees Valley that have a range of disabilities, including but not restricted to, physical disabilities, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism and mental health.

MFC Foundation have been engaging people through disability provision since 2014, but recent funding from the Premier League and BT Sport Disability Fund has invigorated the project and as a result has allowed for an increase in the provision and support that this project offers. The PL and BT sport initiative is a three year programme that is designed to inspire and engage disabled people through sport across these four key programme areas:

• Sport
• Inclusion
• Engagement
• Events

Furthermore, this initiative has identified that disabled people are half as likely to participate in sports as able bodied people, and through MFC Foundations targeted delivery we aim to remove the barriers relating to opportunities and accessibility for disabled people to increase participation.

Key partnerships with local organisations such as Tees Valley Sport and North Riding County FA, among others, are crucial in the development of the project in achieving the strategic aims of community engagement, programme development and delivery, events, and training. This is also supported by the Tees Valley Disability Sports Forum that maps out disability sport in the region to identify current provision and opportunities for potential participants, as well as highlighting the need for new disability specific delivery in areas across the region.

Since September 2016, MFC Foundation’s PL Inclusion project is on course to engage 500+ disabled people within the year, in sport and physical activity, through numerous multi-sport and football specific sessions. This has been achieved through delivery and support at local schools, colleges, community groups and clubs, which has culminated in successful events such as festivals and tournaments that have highlighted and celebrated the success of everyone involved.

We currently run the following sessions during school times:

Acorn Centre

• Cerebral Palsy: Tuesday 4.45pm – 5.45pm
• Deaf & Hard of hearing: Tuesday 5.45pm – 6.45pm
• Pan-Disability (All disabilities): Wednesday 4.45pm – 5.45pm
• Downs Syndrome: Wednesday 5.45pm – 6.45pm

Contact Lee on lee.grace@mfcfoundation.co.uk or 01642 757674

A local photographer from Teesside is hoping to raise money for MFC Foundation by walking from Rockliffe Hall to the Riverside Stadium on Wednesday 26^th August 2020.

Tom Banks owner of Banks Photo recently worked for MFC Foundation and was so amazed by the inspiring work the Foundation deliver across Teesside he decided he wanted to help support them.

Tom plans to walk the 25 mile route from Rockliffe Hall to the Riverside Stadium and raise much needed funds for MFC Foundation.

Tom who is a keen walker said: “I was asked by MFC Foundation prior to lockdown to take some photos of several projects that they were delivering within the local communities. I was totally amazed to see the joy in the faces of the participants and it made me think that I wanted to do something to help.” He continued “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive impact on all charities so I decided I would try to do my bit and fundraise for MFC Foundation. As a keen walker I decided that I would walk from Rockliffe Hall to the Riverside Stadium to help the Foundation continue their inspiring work across Teesside.”

Andrew Buckley – Business Development Manager for MFC Foundation said: “Tom worked for us earlier in the year and was overwhelmed by some of our projects we are continuing to deliver throughout this pandemic.” He continued “As a LOCAL charity we are always grateful for any donations and help with our fundraising work so we are very happy to support Tom with his up and coming sponsored walk.”

If you would like to support Tom and join him on his 25 mile walk you can email him at thomas.banks@sky.com

If you would like to sponsor Tom on his walk you can do that by clicking here