Finding Accessible Sports

Jackie — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 10:12:32 +0000

🌄 Finding Accessible Sports: A Guide for Amputees…and others

Where you live shouldn’t limit your access to sport and physical activity. Whether you’re an amputee or support someone who is, this guide will help you find accessible and inclusive sporting opportunities — from football to fishing — even in the most remote parts of the country.

🏡 1. Start with Local Experts

Most local councils and community hubs know what’s going on in the area, even if it’s not advertised online.

Try:

Calling your county or district council and asking for the disability inclusion or sports development officer.
Visiting libraries, village halls, or parish councils to check community boards.

💪 2. Check National Charities with Local Reach

These organisations work across the UK and often know about local activities or can connect you with regional reps.

Limb Power – supporting amputees in physical activity and sport.
Activity Alliance – promoting inclusive activity for disabled people.
British Disabled Angling Association (BDAA) – helping create accessible fishing venues.

👉 Tip: Email or call to ask if they know of events or clubs near you.

🎯 3. Contact Local Sports Clubs and Centres

Many clubs and outdoor centres welcome disabled athletes — they just don’t always advertise it clearly.

Look for:

Fishing Clubs & Angling Societies – ask about accessible pegs or buddy support.
Grassroots Football Teams – many offer walking football or inclusive sessions.
Outdoor Activity Centres, like Calvert Trust Keswick, which offer tailored experiences for all ability levels.

🌐 4. Search Smarter Online

Finding inclusive activities takes some creative Googling!

Example searches:

Accessible fishing near Ambleside
Inclusive football for amputees in Cumbria
Adaptive sports Cumbria site:facebook.com (to find local Facebook posts/groups)

Also check:

🩺 5. Ask Your Health or Rehab Team

Your prosthetics clinic or NHS rehab team may know of programs or hand out flyers about local inclusive sport.

Ask:

Your prosthetist
An occupational therapist
Local limb-fitting centres

📰 6. Check Local Media & Noticeboards

In rural areas, many activities are promoted through traditional channels.

Look at:

Local newspapers
Community newsletters
Bulletin boards at shops, GP surgeries, libraries, and churches

👥 7. Connect with Other Amputees

Sometimes, the best recommendations come from people in the same boat.

Join:

Reddit – r/Amputee
UK Amputees Facebook Group
Forums hosted by organisations like Limb Power or AFAUK

💬 Final Tip: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask!

Lots of clubs are open to adapting, even if they’ve never done it before. Whether it’s step-free access, equipment support, or just trying something new — it’s always worth a call or message.