Children and young people from schools across Southwark and beyond came together last month for two inspiring days of inclusive sport at Marlborough Sports Garden. The SEND Sports Festival 2026 brought primary and secondary pupils together across separate event days.
A Welcoming Environment
The event created a welcoming and supportive environment. D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent children and young people could enjoy sport, build confidence, and connect with others through physical activity.
Participants took part in football, cricket, beach volleyball, boccia, and multi-sport activities. Experienced coaches and specialist organisations led each session. Every activity was adapted to support different abilities, needs, and communication styles.
Participants were encouraged to take part in as much or as little as they wished. This helped create a positive and low-pressure experience for everyone involved.
More than Physical Activity
The festival focused on more than physical activity. Sport supports health and wellbeing. It can improve confidence, communication, teamwork, coordination, emotional wellbeing, and social connection. It also gives children a chance to experience enjoyment, achievement, and belonging.
At BOST and Marlborough Sports Garden, improving health and wellbeing through inclusive community activity is one of our core strategic aims. Events like this help children stay active. They also support physical development and positive relationships in a safe environment.
Adapting to Participants
Across both days, we welcomed schools from across Southwark and nearby areas. We were pleased to host pupils and staff from:
- Highshore School
- Haberdashers’ School
- Drumbeat School
- Spa School Bermondsey
- Spa School Camberwell
- Tower Bridge Primary
- Robert Browning Primary
- Snowsfields Primary
- St Joseph’s The Borough Primary
- Riverside Primary
Each school took part in five activities during the day. Coaches adapted equipment and rules where needed. This helped ensure all children could take part and enjoy the sessions.
Specialist equipment supported access. This included sensory and audible resources and boccia ramps. These adaptations helped make activities more inclusive.
All coaches were NGB qualified, DBS checked, first aid trained, and safeguarding certified. They supported children throughout the day. This helped create a safe and positive environment.
Community Partners Make This Possible
We thank our delivery partners and coaches including Ballers Academy, Surrey Cricket Foundation, Disability Sports Coach, and Team SideOut. Their support helped make the festival inclusive and engaging.
Thank you also to Access Sport for supporting inclusive delivery across community sport. Their work helps remove barriers for disabled children and young people.
We are grateful to London Marathon Foundation for providing medals for participants. This helped make the experience more memorable for children.
Finally, thank you to teachers, support staff, volunteers, and families. Their support helped make both days a success.
At Marlborough Sports Garden, we believe sport should be inclusive and accessible. We continue to work with partners to create opportunities for children and young people across the community.
Learn More
Find out more about Marlborough Sports Garden here.
Learn more about Access Sport here.
Learn more about London Marathon Foundation here.
Talk to us about Corporate Partnerships at Marlborough Sports Garden here.