The Hargreaves Foundation supports Autistic Children and Carers Together

The Trustees of the Hargreaves Foundation are pleased to announce Autistic Children and Carers Together (ACCT) has been granted funding to support the Sheffield-based charity’s programmes making football fun and welcoming for young people with autism who are excluded from mainstream clubs. The organisation supports around 500 children and their families each year by running autism-focused activity groups, support for parents and carers, and family activities. ACCT helps children and young people with autism, aged five to 18, to develop confidence and social skills, make friends and learn to better understand and manage their autism.

The funding will enable more than 60 children and young people per week to enjoy the health and social benefits of sport. For 12 months, it will support the delivery of weekly football coaching sessions focused on fun and inclusivity, with a weekly multi-activity club for those aged five to 12 years old and a weekly Teenage Club for those aged 13 to 18.

Funding will also enable progression for participants who would like to play a higher standard of football. ACCT intends to develop links with mainstream and disability clubs, such as Sheffield Football Club, accompany young people to try-out sessions, and support clubs to make their activities more autism friendly.