Community sports teams offer a vital support network and a sense of belonging, so we’re proud to sponsor the Wythenshawe & Norbrook Pan-Disability Football Club.
Our sponsorship of the local pan-disability football club
Posted on in Blog
Supporting community and inclusive sport
About the team
The Wythenshawe & Norbrook Pan-Disability Football Club was formed seven years ago following the closure of Wythenshawe United, a team previously run by a local community centre. Determined to keep the players together, Tommy, a former assistant manager at the Royal Oak community centre, took the reins.
Today, the club supports 22 players, operating as two distinct but united squads: Norbrook FC and Wythenshawe Adult Disability Football Club. The structure is entirely inclusive. All players are over the age of 18 and live with various disabilities, including ADHD and specific learning difficulties. It is a mixed squad featuring both men and women, with ages ranging from 18 right up to their 61-year-old goalkeeper who continues to be unphased by throwing himself onto the ground in a bid to save goals. In some cases, the players’ carers also attend the sessions.
Overcoming funding challenges
The team is entirely self-funded. The players pay weekly subscriptions to cover basic operating costs. When the team travels for away fixtures or tournaments – such as matches in Northwich or Stockport – the players often have to contribute additional funds to cover minibus hire.
These financial hurdles can place a strain on the players and the volunteers who dedicate their time to running the club. Despite these obstacles, the management team has consistently worked hard to ensure that financial limitations do not prevent the players from doing what they love.
Our sponsorship
Our contribution has directly funded brand-new kits for the entire squad. The club now proudly wears two distinct strips: a red kit for the A-team and a blue kit for the B-team. We’re pleased that the kits have had a substantial effect on team morale and have generated some healthy competition within the ranks, with players highly motivated to score goals and earn a promotion to the red A-team.
Training, competing and celebrating together
The team trains every week at the Woodhouse Park Lifestyle Centre in Wythenshawe and competes in the local Power League, which means regularly facing off against other disabled teams across Greater Manchester, including Stockport School, Oldham FC, Altrincham FC, and Stockport Summer FC. A highlight is the annual end of season tournament – the Cheshire FA tournament held in Northwich. The team received a winner’s trophy last year and was a runner up in the previous year.
Beyond the medals and competitive fixtures, the club’s true success lies in its community spirit. Because many of the players cannot easily visit traditional social venues to celebrate their victories, Tommy opens up his own home. After a successful match, he invites the team back to his custom garden bar. The players bring their own drinks and celebrate their achievements in a safe, welcoming, and familiar environment.
Speaking to Tommy and seeing the team in action really brings home how this team exemplifies the very best of grassroots sport, and we’re honoured to stand beside them and support their ongoing journey. We wish the team all the best in their upcoming matches and are looking forward to hearing about their progress.