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SEN-friendly football club launches in Hampshire

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 17:32 · Archive

A pressure-free football club for children with special educational needs has launched in Hampshire.

Kick & Play, a special educational needs-friendly football club, has launched in Overton and Basingstoke, offering 'fun, pressure-free football' for children aged four to 12. The club helps children of all abilities, including those with special educational needs, learn skills and build confidence without competitive pressure.

Founded by Grant Powell, 35, a former player for Reading and Basingstoke Under-18s, the club has already attracted significant demand. Grant Powell said: 'It's super rewarding; we want as many kids involved as possible, but the first sessions are already almost sold out.' The club has received enquiries from towns as far away as Middlesbrough, indicating the level of demand from children and parents.

The Overton launch is in partnership with The Haven, a tutoring centre and therapeutic space for neurodiverse children that opened in June. The Haven runs daytime classes for SEN and neurodivergent children, plus evening workspaces for pupils at mainstream state schools who need homework help. Founder Michelle Green said: 'It was alarming how quickly the uptake has been. I started in June and already help around 50 kids.' Michelle Green and Grant Powell had not met until she organised a Saturday SEN game and was overwhelmed by the response.

SEN-friendly football club launches in Hampshire
Image: Andover Advertiser

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In this story: Kick & Play · Grant Powell · The Haven · Michelle Green · Overton · Basingstoke · Hampshire

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