Following several community visits and outreach, the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation identified a clear gap in their provision with individuals who had limited mobility.
Recognising this need, the Foundation sought support from Tewkesbury Borough Council through their Community Health and Wellbeing Grant to kickstart the Foundation’s “Seated Multi-Sports” programme. These funds have enabled the Foundation to invest in inclusive equipment to deliver adapted, seated sessions to those with mobility challenges.
We have already seen strong engagement across our Seated Multi-Sports programme, with 89 participants taking part in sessions delivered in community, care home and charity settings. This programme has helped in deepening our connections with care homes and charities such as Age UK and the MS Society. The impact has been clear, with one participant describing the sessions as making them “feel human again”.
Why Seated Multi‑Sports Works
Seated activity offers a safe and accessible way for people to stay active while still gaining meaningful physical benefits. The sessions include simple exercises designed to improve coordination, reaction time and focus. As well as the physical and cognitive benefits, it’s clear that throughout the sessions, it gives the opportunity for people to come together, have a laugh, and be part of a group. Feedback has been powerful, with one participant saying, “It was wonderful to do something together as a group.”
What Happened in the Session
The session moved through a series of progressive physical and mental activities, from simple hand‑eye coordination games to light memory challenges. Josh wove the meaning of sport into each task, creating moments of focus, laughter and shared encouragement. Each week looks different, with new equipment and adapted activities keeping the sessions fresh and ensuring a range of motor skills are supported.
Benefits of Seated Multi-Sports
We are always striving to ensure the best possible outcomes are achieved from our sessions, and feedback from these sessions was overwhelmingly positive, with comments such as “fun, energetic, interesting.” Staff observed improved mood, strong engagement and a warm group atmosphere, alongside physical and cognitive benefits including better coordination, confidence and focus.
Looking Ahead
Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation’s Seated Multi‑Sports programme is growing across the county, and our ambition is to reach as many people as possible through this adapted, inclusive version of the game. If you are a charity, community group, care home, or support a group that would benefit from improved confidence, increased exercise, and more positive social interactions, please contact our Community Engagement Officer, Josh Graves, at josh.graves@gloucestershirecricketfoundation.org.
