Record Numbers
What a day at the Cambridge University Association Football Club (CUAFC) PowerHouseGames! Held at the University Sports Centre, this year’s event set a new record with 96 participants coming together for a festival of inclusion, sport and smiles.

A Fantastic Coming Together
Students and community groups joined forces with 36 Cambridge University footballers (both women and men), plus groups from St John’s College School (14 pupils), PEM (12 volunteers), Landmark International (12 pupils), Castle Special School (10 pupils) and Rowan (12 adult participants). Twelve mixed teams in brightly coloured shirts filled the hall, each discovering new sports and new friendships.
A Day of Discovery
For many, the day was about more than sport. As David Millward, Director of Sport at St John’s College School, explained:
“They walk into the hall and suddenly they’re in a team with people they’ve never met before – older students, footballers, SEN pupils. It just breaks down barriers all day long. It really opens their eyes to a different way of enjoying sport with a wider range of people.”
The games, from boccia and new age kurling to goalball and sitting netball, were carefully chosen to level the playing field, with abilities set aside in favour of teamwork and encouragement.


Inclusion in Action
Sarah Wright, Head Teacher at St John’s, summed up the importance of the day:
“This is an amazing opportunity for our children to experience something we couldn’t otherwise provide. They don’t see the differences, they just see they’re part of a team. That’s everything to them.”
Helen Seabourne from Landmark International School echoed this, sharing how one pupil who usually struggles with PE joined in with enthusiasm:
“She’s never been before yet here she is, joining in and doing it. It’s lovely and really humbling for our kids.”



A Partnership that Works
CUAFC’s involvement was central, with dozens of players throwing themselves into sports they’d never tried before. Anna Hipkiss, Women’s Co-President, said:
“It’s amazing to get involved in the community. It’s a lot of fun for us too! Even I didn’t know some of the other squad members, so it was a great day for meeting people all round.”
The Spirit of PowerHouseGames
For students like Marta from Landmark International, it’s simple:
“You feel really included and it just lifts your mood. Even if you don’t want to do a game there’s no stress — it’s about the achievement and the support.”
That message was visible in every smile, every cheer, and every medal at the end of the day.

Thank you
Our thanks go to the volunteers, the schools and groups, the incredible CUAFC men’s and women’s squads, and of course our founder John Willis and the Power2Inspire team for making this record-breaking day possible.
Together, you’ve shown again that when everyone has the chance to play, no one is left on the bench.
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.

John Willis
Founder & Chief Ambassador, Power2Inspire