Reading FC PowerHouseGames 2026
As someone from Reading, this PowerHouseGames felt particularly special.
Not only was it taking place in my hometown, but it was also our first-ever PowerHouseGames in partnership with a football club as we teamed up with Reading FC Community Trust.
With plenty of space to spread out at the Community Trust training centre, we had our usual line-up of activities including walking touch rugby, walking football, boccia, goalball, Kwik cricket and seated volleyball.
Everyone Coming Together
One thing I particularly noticed was how quickly everyone got stuck into the games. The cohesion of the teams was what stood out to me most at this PowerHouseGames. It was powerful to see everyone working together regardless of their age, gender or disability. We even had one student tell us that it was “really cool seeing so many different people here together”, which is exactly what Power2Inspire is all about.
The enthusiasm throughout the day was incredible. My poor camera could barely keep up.
“Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Amazing”
One student summed up the day by describing it as “really, really, really, really, really amazing”. I think the five “reallys” paint a pretty clear picture of how much they enjoyed themselves. Another student spoke about how proud she was of both herself and her team, once again highlighting the impact that comes from bringing people together and creating an environment where everyone can succeed.
The Moments That Matter
Another highlight came during the walking football. One of the wheelchair users took up position in goal and pulled off save after save. Hearing his teammates shout “great save” after each stop and seeing the smile spread across his face was a brilliant reminder of what these events are all about.
A huge thank you to our volunteers from Sport in Mind and Field Seymour Parkes LLP for getting fully involved throughout the day. I think it is fair to say some of them may have enjoyed the games just as much as the students.
Hopefully the First of Many
Thank you to Charlotte from Reading FC Community Trust for helping bring this event to life. After such a successful day, we hope it will be the first of many. A thank you also goes to Trustee Stephan Peak for helping with the setup and supporting behind the scenes throughout the day.
And finally, thank you to Alex and John. They are the driving force behind the PowerHouseGames and without their passion and commitment, days like this simply would not be possible. Seeing a PowerHouseGames take place in my hometown and witnessing the impact it had on participants was a reminder of why Power2Inspire’s mission is so important, and why we are excited for what comes next.
What are PowerHouseGames?
PowerHouseGames are incredible sports days using adapted games and sports, with activities designed to be accessible and fun for everyone, old and young, with disabilities and none, sporty and not. Participants are encouraged to test their beliefs about ability and disability and what it is to be different, to learn to respect other people’s differences, and Power2Inspire works with them to challenge their assumptions of what they can and cannot do.
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
Would your university sports team, or school love to be involved in a PowerHouseGames? Could your company support our mission by volunteering at one of our PowerHouseGames? If so, then we would love to hear from you. We are also always looking out for people willing to fundraise for Power2Inspire through their own inspiring means. Or, you could volunteer individually at one of our events, or you could give to the ongoing work of Power2Inspire. There are SO MANY WAYS we can all help to ensure “no on else is left on the bench!” Click the button here to find out more.
Creating a Blueprint for Inclusive Sport at Leicester Tigers
Five Years of PowerHouseGames!
This year marked our fifth PowerHouseGames at Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium, and once again it showed just how important inclusive sport can be for bringing people together.
A festival of inclusive sport
One of the biggest aims of the day was to continue widening awareness around inclusive sport as a whole. We were lucky to have Leicestershire County Cricket, Leicester City and the Leicester Riders involved again, all providing inclusive versions of their sports to make sure everyone had the opportunity to take part, have fun and succeed. Having almost all of the activities set up on the pitch meant participants could move easily from sport to sport, which helped create a brilliant atmosphere throughout the day.
One of the standout additions this year was Boccia. Boccia England came along to support the activity and used the rugby dugouts as part of the experience, which gave participants a unique opportunity and made the activity feel even more special. It really was the extra cherry on top.
More than just playing sport
What stood out most to me was the environment created throughout the day. The mixed teams allowed children and young people from different schools and backgrounds to socialise, try new sports and build confidence together.
That is what makes the PowerHouseGames so special.
One moment you could see someone learning rugby for the first time, and the next they were trying a completely different sport like Goalball or Boccia. Some of the SEN students were even teaching others how to play certain activities, meaning the learning worked both ways. In many ways, the PowerHouseGames feel like a blueprint for what inclusive sport should look like.
There was one vulnerable adult from the Values Caring Group who particularly stood out to me. He would normally keep very much to himself, but throughout the day he integrated brilliantly within his team and even scored a goal alongside the Leicester City guys. His support workers said;
“They had never seen him show so much excitement and enjoyment before.”
Moments like that are exactly why these events matter.
As a Senior Inclusion Officer, you quickly realise that inclusion is never something you completely finish working on. Throughout the day you see success in so many different forms. Some students arrived full of confidence, while others were much more reserved, but by the end of the event many were socially interacting and engaging with people they would normally feel nervous around. Seeing that transformation over such a short period of time was incredibly rewarding.
A team effort
I am also very lucky to work with such an outstanding team at the Leicester Tigers Foundation. The effort from staff, volunteers and partners throughout the day was fantastic and showed exactly why events like this are so important.
A huge thank you must also go to Samworth Brothers for supporting the event for the third consecutive year. Their volunteers helped behind the scenes throughout the day and their continued community support has been invaluable.
Looking ahead
At the Leicester Tigers Foundation, rugby is the vehicle we use, but inclusion is always the main objective. Whether that is through rugby or alternative sports, making sure everyone has the opportunity to succeed is what matters most. Many of the organisations involved in the day share that same vision, and without them the event would not have been possible.
Finally, a huge thank you to John and Alex. Their passion and commitment to inclusion continues to make these events possible, and they remain such an important part of what makes the PowerHouseGames so impactful.
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
Would your university sports team, or school love to be involved in a PowerHouseGames? Could your company support our mission by volunteering at one of our PowerHouseGames? If so, then we would love to hear from you. We are also always looking out for people willing to fundraise for Power2Inspire through their own inspiring means. Or, you could volunteer individually at one of our events, or you could give to the ongoing work of Power2Inspire. There are SO MANY WAYS we can all help to ensure “no on else is left on the bench!” Click the button here to find out more.
Huge thanks to Sam Johnston, Senior Inclusion Officer at Leicester Tigers Foundation, for speaking with me and giving his perspective on yet another successful PowerHouseGames with the Leicester Tigers Foundation.
The Sports Trust Folkestone PowerHouseGames 2026
We hosted our second Folkestone PowerHouseGames in partnership with The Sports Trust in May at Three Hills Sports Park, bringing together 59 students from five schools across Folkestone and Ashford.
Led by Sarah Green, Schools Games Organiser for the Folkestone and Hythe district, students enjoyed a morning of inclusive sports including, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, boccia, goalball and new age kurling.
We were honoured to be joined by Emma Brown, who represents Team GB at Deaf futsal. Starting her football career at the age of 14 in the Manchester United U16 girls’ team, Emma has previously spoken about her struggles being the only deaf player on the squad. Communication was often a challenge, especially not being able to hear everything her coach said.
Emma highlights the importance inclusive sport can play in bringing people together, creating a sense of belonging and reducing isolation:
“In our deaf community, football plays a huge role as for some of the team it’s the only time they get to mix with other deaf people.”
Emma led the deaf futsal activity on the day, which is an indoor version of football played with five players and a smaller ball. Participants wore ear defenders so they had to pay particular focus on using their body language to communicate with each other.
Students from the Harvey Grammar School in Folkestone took on the role of team captains, leading 12 teams made up of students from each school in attendance: Turner Free School, The Beacon, Folkestone College Inclusive Provision and Wyvern.
A mix of abilities including SEND, students worked together practicing communication skills and participating in sports which promote inclusivity and team work.
Leila Ilkhan, Power2Inspire trustee said:
“It was a privilege to be part of the day and see students of all abilities, levels of fitness and sporting experience come together. The smiles said it all and the feedback from teachers is a testament to the importance of inclusive sport for physical and emotional development.”
Teachers from the schools that participated said:
“I have two students who said they wouldn’t be able to do anything. By the break, they had started to say they can do these things.”
“Thank you for proving this wonderfully inclusive and engaging experience!”
A special thank you to the event sponsors: Folkestone and Hythe Lions Club who were represented by Ben Potter from the Arrows Wheelchair Basketball Club, Channel Rotary Club and New Age Sports who were represented by Theo Denton.
What are PowerHouseGames?
PowerHouseGames are incredible sports days using adapted games and sports, with activities designed to be accessible and fun for everyone, old and young, with disabilities and none, sporty and not. Participants are encouraged to test their beliefs about ability and disability and what it is to be different, to learn to respect other people’s differences, and Power2Inspire works with them to challenge their assumptions of what they can and cannot do.
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
Would your university sports team, or school love to be involved in a PowerHouseGames? Could your company support our mission by volunteering at one of our PowerHouseGames? If so, then we would love to hear from you. We are also always looking out for people willing to fundraise for Power2Inspire through their own inspiring means. Or, you could volunteer individually at one of our events, or you could give to the ongoing work of Power2Inspire. There are SO MANY WAYS we can all help to ensure “no on else is left on the bench!” Click the button here to find out more.