On Wednesday 3rd June, the Marlborough Youth Football Club Thunderbolts Disability Football squad presented a signed and framed Thunderbolts shirt to pupil Hattie W, member of the GB Paralympic Pathway for triathlon, who was representing the College in recognition of and as thanks for their generous support.
The presentation took place at the start of the Thunderbolts weekly inclusion and disability football sessions where players, families and coaches were all gathered together.
The framed shirt, presented on behalf of the club, serves as a lasting symbol of the partnership – one that has helped create more opportunities for young people to access football in a supportive, inclusive environment. MYFC’s inclusion and disability football programme is built around a pan-disability ethos, offering a flexible and welcoming space for players with learning, neurodivergent and physical disabilities. Sessions focus on participation, enjoyment, and development, with an emphasis on providing opportunities for those less attracted to mainstream football, including players who have never tried football before.
Stu Slater, new Honorary Club President and Inclusion Lead, said: “This was a really special moment for the players and the wider group. The College’s support has helped us create something that feels genuinely inclusive, where every player can take part in a way that works for them. Presenting the shirt to Hattie on behalf of the College was a small way of saying thank you, but also of recognising a partnership that is making a real difference. Thank you also to Hattie – what an inspiration!”
Hattie W said: Firstly, I want to say thank you so much for presenting this to us and I feel honoured to be receiving this on behalf of all the Marlborough College Community, I know we are incredibly proud to be your sponsor. It is so special to be able to meet you all and see your team knowing what a strong team you are. I’m sure you all hold a huge love for football and sport from being in the Thunderbolts which is what I also share with you. But instead of being as skilled as you all at football, I have a love of triathlon which involves swimming, cycling and running.
Just over two years ago I was made part of the Great British Para Triathlon, Paralympic Academy and I am now entering my third season, and I am loving every step of the journey. However, when I was 2 years old by parents were told I would never be able to walk due to having Cerebral Palsy, being born 11 weeks early. Since then, I have never once allowed anyone to put a limit on my abilities. Often people think they know you more than you know yourself and make unfair assumptions just because people with disabilities may do things slightly differently. I believe sport has changed my life. This is not because of the level I have got to but because it has given me an invaluable gift to believe in myself and know having a disability is not at all negative but instead a superpower no one can take away from you. I am sure you are all incredibly proud to be a part of The Marlborough Thunderbolts and I hope I have shown what a gift sport has been for me and what a power it can be for you.
As MYFC’s inclusion programme continues to develop, Marlborough College looks forward to a continued successful partnership. The club hopes to both provide and build further awareness of the importance of inclusive opportunities in grassroots sport.
