Mayo football club accredited as Autism Friendly Champion
WESTPORT United FC has been officially accredited as an Autism Friendly Champion by Westport Autism Friendly Town (WAFT).
The accreditation recognises the club’s commitment to being welcoming, accessible and supportive for autistic players, supporters and their families, on and off the pitch. It is the latest organisation in the town to complete the scheme.
The heart of the initiative is Football For All, which runs every Saturday and is funded by SICAP, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme. The club has partnered with local occupational therapist Anita Walsh, who is co-designing a new training programme to teach volunteers how to lead sessions for children with additional needs. It is the first programme of its kind.
The training gives volunteers practical skills built around four areas: predictability, communication, reducing judgement, and creating sensory-friendly environments. Sessions use sensory equipment and purpose-designed activities that build motor skills while encouraging confidence, participation and a sense of belonging.
To reach Champion status, the club completed specialist autism-awareness training delivered by WAFT in partnership with AsIAm, Ireland’s national autism charity.
Chairperson Brian Cusack said the programme reflects the club’s belief that football belongs to everyone, and that it is a promise that every child is welcome at Westport United. He said that working with Anita and WAFT showed the club that small changes make a big difference, and he encouraged other clubs in Mayo to get involved.
WAFT is a volunteer-led community initiative working with AsIAm to make Westport more inclusive for autistic people and their families, as part of a three-year action plan. It has already accredited over 20 local businesses, public services, sports clubs and community organisations as Autism Friendly Champions, and more are currently in training.
Organisations that would like to follow Westport United’s lead can find out more at waft.ie.