Calls to secure funding for SEND football camps

Great and Diop Evans run Star Player together

There are calls to continue funding for "lifeline" football camps for children with additional needs in Surrey.

Star Player has been running day camps in Spelthorne for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), with temporary funding from Surrey County Council (SCC).

Parents have described the activity camps as a "lifeline" and "fantastic", while the local MP attended on Sunday and said he was "hugely impressed".

SCC said funding had been given for short-term pilot projects aimed at exploring how to improve inclusion and the projects would inform future plans.

One mother said the camp had been a "big game changer" for her son (seen above with his coach)

Sheena, whose 11-year-old son with special educational needs has attended the camp, said she had been struggling for years to find a club that would suit him.

"There was nothing available locally," she said, adding that the ad hoc clubs she was offered were not suitable for children who need structured routines, and that others had long waiting lists.

She said the camp was a "big game changer" for her and her son where coaches were "actively encouraging kids to participate, enabling them and encouraging them".

"This is not just about losing a club, it's about losing a lifeline," she said.

Spelthorne MP Lincoln Jopp said he had visited a session on Sunday, and said he was "hugely impressed".

He said: "The children have fun while developing social skills and independence in a safe and structured environment while the parents have a much-needed respite."

In a letter to Clare Curran, Surrey County Council's cabinet member for children, families and lifelong learning, he said the scheme should be "funded on a more established basis".

'Our son is finally included'

Roisin Kennedy's son also attends sessions, and she said it had been "fantastic" for him.

"It's hard to put into words what it means for our son to finally be included," she said.

"Particularly over the half term we saw him have fun, grow in confidence and his anxiety reduce."

Star Player was founded by Great Evans, 25, during the coronavirus pandemic.

Diop Evans, 29, now runs the company with his brother and said his mission was to "positively impact as many lives as possible".

He added: "The kids have found a place where they can be themselves and express themselves."

Ms Curran said 25 providers, including Star Player, had been given temporary funding through a Community Inclusion Grants scheme

She said the council wanted to explore how to offer play and leisure opportunities to all children, including those with additional needs and disabilities.

"These pilot projects will help us learn about what works in strengthening inclusion, which we will take forward into our plans for future short breaks commissioning," she added.