Disability History Month: Stourbridge promote inclusion

This season seventh-tier side Stourbridge have been encouraging fans with disabilities along to their men’s first team games thanks to help from the Fans for Diversity campaign.

The West Midlands club have been pioneering inclusive football over the last few seasons, by expanding the number of registered participants in its teams competing in the Sandwell Inclusion League.

Now the club, who play in step three of non-league football, have been encouraging those players to get along to the War Memorial Athletic Ground to watch live football. Across the 2024-25 season, the Fans for Diversity campaign has agreed to fund accessibility coaches that provide transport for pan-disability players to and from the men’s first team games.

Lead coach of Stourbridge’s inclusion section Steve Wem said: “We have had success on the field but the real success is creating an environment that enables more individuals to feel part of the club.

“In three years the club has doubled in size with 40 players registered across the four sides for this season.

“Although running and managing disability teams has been challenging, it is also extremely rewarding.”

“The highlight for many of the players is the thrill of going to watch the first team, and the club are endeavouring to make this a regular event, which is fantastic.”

Club vice-chairman, Andy Bullingham, said: “As a community football club it is essential that we offer a football solution that is all-inclusive. This has to encompass men, women, boys, girls and pan-disability teams.”

• This month is Disability History Month – running from November 14th to December 15th – and you can find out more about it here.

Fans for Diversity fund

The Fan for Diversity fund is a small grant fund to help supporters with ideas so if you would like to create an event, a project or start a supporter group then please contact Hannah Kumari or Nilesh Chauhan.