Inaugural ISA SEND football tournament hosted by LVS Hassocks, five schools enjoy surprise from Brighton FC
Sayers Common was home to a landmark occasion for LVS Hassocks, ISA and four other local specialist schools on Thursday 20 October.
The day marked the first ever ISA SEND football tournament, allowing students from specialist schools to be included in sporting opportunities that are otherwise difficult for these young people to access. Participating in the inaugural event were fellow ISA schools Wemms Education Centre and Slindon College, as well as colleagues from the state sector in Muntham House School and Oak Grove College.
Boys and girls in attendance were treated to a ‘masterclass’ to kick off the event, thanks to Albion in the Community, the official charity of Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club. Club mascot Gully was on hand to fly the children through some practical skills sessions and exciting warm up activities.
The tournament itself delighted students with the footballing action that was on offer and each pupil received a medal to celebrate their involvement in what was a special day for all.
Jen Weeks, Principal of LVS Hassocks reflected on the event:
“I am so proud that our local community of specialist schools have come together to celebrate what will hopefully be a yearly event. We were delighted to host such an inclusive and fun event.”
Representing ISA at the event was Helen Stanton-Tonner, and our Director of Education and Inclusion added:
“It’s amazing to be part of such an inclusive and forward-thinking event that incorporates the local independent and state schools in the area. Thank you to Jen and the team for inviting us along.”
Rudolf Eliott Lockhart, Chief Executive Officer of the ISA, was delighted with the success of the tournament and hopes that this can inspire similar events from now on:
“With the help of Jen and the team at LVS Hassocks ISA have had the chance to be involved in an event that widens access to activities that students in specialist care are often unable to participate in, be it at independent schools or with our colleagues in the state sector.
“Providing young people with opportunities that allow themselves to explore their interests are at the heart of what we and our Members do, so it was a great honour to be involved in an event that aligns with the positive experiences that the ISA Sport programme already inspires for the pupils within our schools.”
LVS Hassocks is an award-winning specialist school for boys and girls with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum. The 11-19 year olds in their care are provided an environment that inspires them to realise their full potential and become independent individuals who are confident and successful in whichever post-school pathway that they choose.