Living with SMA
Teenagers (13-17 years) Clubs, Sports and Social
Teenagers (13-17 years) Clubs, Sports and Social
Last checked: July 2026
Most organisations in this section are national ones but they should be able to tell you if they know of anything local to you.
Everybodymoves.org.uk > connects disabled people with opportunities to get active.
If you would like to join something locally but you can see there might be an access issue, talk to your parents, teachers or the organisers to get this sorted. SMA UK > is always willing to talk through options and write support letters as well.
Local Authorities (LAs) have a legal duty to provide services for disabled children and teenagers under what is called ‘The Local Offer’. Each LA’s website lists the services available in their region. Find your Local Authority >.
Whizz-Kidz offer a range of Activity Days > each year. They range from wheelchair rugby to rock climbing; adventure days to creative arts. They run both face-to-face and online activities for wheelchair users aged 8-25 years.
Phab > is a charity working in England and Wales. Its clubs > bring disabled and non-disabled people together to socialise and have fun. It also runs adventure activities >.
Boccia (pronounced bot-cha) is an indoor Paralympic target ball sport. It tests both muscle control and accuracy. From a seated position players propel balls to land close to a white marker ball – the jack. If you’re unable to grasp and propel a ball a ramp can be used.
The CEA Card (Cinema Exhibitors’ Association Card) > works nationally. It entitles anyone age 8 years and over to one free ticket for whoever is going with them. To apply, you need to be receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP). It currently costs £6.50 a year.
If you’re finding it difficult to play, you may need some adaptations, for example a ‘light touch’ mouse.
Several charitable organisations can provide information and advice about specialist computers and gaming equipment:
- AbilityNet > – advice and training on computer technology for disabled people
- Everyone Can > – information and support on all aspects of computing for disabled people
- Special Effect >– adapted gaming controls
Online safety NSPCC Website > – keeping you safe.
Wheels for All > – the largest provider of inclusive cycling in the country. Their goal is to ensure every local authority area in England has an inclusive cycling offer. You can find out if there is a Centre near you.
GBGBikes > Goals Beyond Grass have adapted bikes designed for all ages and all abilities. They have weekly sessions in Gloucester, Cheltenham and the Forest of Dean.
Para Dance UK > – a charity and the national governing body for Para Dance Sport in the UK. They offer fully inclusive online dance sessions >
Some schools offer this for anyone aged 14 to 24. You have to take part in a range of activities and challenges over 3 progressive award levels. As well as being a lot of fun and giving you the chance to enjoy new opportunities, it can be good to have on your CV (Curriculum Vitae). You’ll need this when you are thinking about future education or work. A CV summarises your education, skills and relevant work and other experiences.
See: Duke of Edinburgh >. Talk to your school if you’re interested.
Not all schools have DofE programmes. There may be another provider in your area that can help. See DofE Approved Providers >
Many disabled people participate in fencing. Some clubs offer Wheelchair Fencing at clubs with competitions, right up to the Paralympics:
Recorded: May 2024
Venues and music festivals vary in their accessibility. As well as checking any website, it’s wise to ring and ask specific questions about the access you need.
Many festivals have accessible viewing platforms and offer a free ticket for a PA. Some of the bigger ones even have a Mobiloo. This is a Changing Places Facility on wheels. It provides a large accessible bathroom with a hoist, adult-size changing bed and shower.
Camping festival facilities can vary hugely. If you decide camping is not going to be possible, you can stay at nearby hotels or only purchase a day ticket.
It’s probably fair to say you’ll need to do a good bit of research and planning to get the most out of the experience, but don’t let this stop you. Whatever you do, make sure you prepare for the mud and the rain!
Disability Horizons: Feb 2025 How to prepare for a Festival as a Wheelchair User >
Attitude is Everything > – improving disabled people’s access to live music by working in partnership with audiences, artists and the music industry
Festival Spirit > is a charity providing the full festival experience to young people who wouldn’t normally be able to attend and enjoy such an event due to life-limiting illness or disability. They provide the equipment, the accommodation and help facilitate the care that is required for each attendee. They prioritise age 16 +.
Cost for individual Guest applications is £300. This includes your necessary PA/carer(s), all ticketing and access to the facilities that they provide.
British Disabled Angling Association > has information on accessible fishing.
Aerobility > – a charity offering disabled people the opportunity to fly a plane – as long as you are certified medically as fit to fly.
Freedom in the Air > – organises regular flying days for young people.
Disability Football England > – information about footballing opportunities for disabled people.
Football Your Way > – information about footballing opportunities for disabled people.
GoalsBeyondGrass > in Gloucestershire offers powerchair football and other multi-sports.
Level Playing Field > – offers support, information and advice on a range of topics around access for disabled spectators.
Wheelchair Football Association (WFA) > – the governing body for Powerchair Football in England provides information on Powerchair Football and how to get involved.
‘I play Powerchair Football, and I am currently 2-time European Champion after winning the Goals Beyond Grass (GBG) Geneva Cup 2 years in a row with my team – All Stars.. Powerchair football is incredible for me to be able to play, not only have I made amazing friends along the way, I have found a sport I can fully take part in and enjoy. I play for Aston Villa in the Premiership League that takes place in Nottingham and I am also on the pathway to play for England. I train with current England players learning amazing skills from them.’
Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) > – has over 450 groups across the UK.
Access Adventures > – adaptive programmes, giving access to sport and outdoor adventures. They host camps, offering the opportunity to try waterskiing, wakeboarding, biking and skiing.
Avon Tyrrell > – has a fully accessible centre in the New Forest National Park. They offer inclusive weekends with your family, as well as other opportunities.
Bendrigg Trust > – a range of day activities, inclusive weekends for families and other opportunities at their activity centre in Cumbria.
Inclusive courses at:
The Disabled Photographers’ Society > is run by and for disabled photographers. They have a broad knowledge of various ways to make photography accessible.
Sailability > – the Royal Yatching Association’s national programme, enabling disabled people to try sailing and take part regularly. Sailing is open to anyone, no matter what age or disability. The network of approved Sailability sites have boats and facilities to cater for everyone.
Disability Snowsport UK > – is a charity providing information on how you can get involved in skiing and snowboarding.
To find out about getting involved in disability sport, contact one of the following organisations:
Access Sport > – trains, equips and supports community sports clubs, organisations and volunteers to provide inclusive programmes.
Activity Alliance > – provide inclusion training for sports coaches, information on finding the right sport, clubs and examples of good practice.
Disability Sport Northern Ireland > – runs a range of events, participation programmes, training courses and services.
Disability Sport Wales > – have details of disability sport coaches throughout Wales and a community database where you can search for your nearest club by sport and disability.
Everybodymoves.org.uk > connects disabled people with opportunities to get active.
Scottish Disability Sport > – promote the development of sport in Scotland for people of all ages and abilities with a physical, sensory or learning disability. It also has links to disability sailing in Scotland.
WheelPower > – organise fun, introductory and competitive events for disabled children and adults. They list sports and where you can find your nearest centre to play them. They run a number of events, including youth sport camps. And they also offer online exercise classes.
We’ve partnered with The Wave Project, a charity that offers adaptive surfing with a focus on improving mental health, to offer members of the SMA Community a free surfing session!
Disability Shooting Great Britain (DSGB)> – opportunity for disabled people to practise target shooting at Stoke Mandeville. Hub Clubs > are shooting clubs affiliated to DSGB who promote shooting for disabled people in their local communities.
British Shooting > manages the paralympic shooting programme
Lawn Tennis Association > – for information on accessible tennis.
British Disabled Waterski and Wakeboard Association > – offer ‘trying out’ activities with family and friends for all ages.