Community Group
DSActive - Arsenal North London United
"Providing as many opportunities as possible for people with Down’s syndrome to be active & healthy"
Who We Help, Why We Help & the Difference It Makes
DSActive was created in response to the awareness of the sedentary lifestyles of many children and adults with Down’s syndrome and the subsequent health problems including obesity, resulting from lack of exercise and participation in sport.
For many of the players who attend our football sessions, DSActive has given them a chance to take part in sport where previously there were limited opportunities. They have have also massively increased the players’ enjoyment of and satisfaction in taking part in sport.
These weekly sessions have allowed players to develop in a number of ways and have showcased many examples of the benefits of the DSActive programme. Along with the obvious improvements in coordination and cognition, players have seen great enhancements in their physical and emotional health, and the sessions regularly highlight the change in confidence and self-esteem.
Our Services Are
Free Low Cost Subsidised Charged Donation AppreciatedConnect with DSActive - Arsenal North London United today to find out more
Get in touchWhat We Do
Football
There are now over 40 football sessions all across England and Wales. The programme is of huge benefit to both the clubs and the coaches who provide the sessions. We are lucky to be working in partnership with such a wide variety of clubs, ranging from grass-roots community clubs to some of the biggest football club foundations. Every club and team has had a huge impact on their local Down’s syndrome community and in turn has seen many benefits from hosting sessions.
Our Sessions
North London United and Arsenal in the Community work together to provide opportunities for young people with Down’s syndrome to participate in sport activities that will help develop their skills and technique, increase their social network, as well as encourage a physical and healthy lifestyle.
We meet between 5.30pm and 6.30pm on Mondays
As session times are subject to change please check here for the latest information.
The sessions are open to males and females from 5 years+
Cost £3 per session
For further information please contact the DSActive team on [email protected] or call us on 0333 1212 300.
DSActive Benefits
It is common knowledge that sport and exercise has many physical benefits. This principle also applies to individuals with Down’s syndrome, and the DSActive programme has already yielded some astonishing results. Many participants have significantly improved their weight management and fitness, increased their level of coordination and seen a noticeable ease of movement.
Additionally, DSActive has offered players an opportunity to spend time together in an active environment. The associations with existing local clubs has also created chances for participants to connect more frequently and freely with their peers at school. The vast majority of participants have also seen great development in their social and emotional development.
Sessions are run by qualified coaches who teach the participants skill, techniques and rules of sports in a fun and friendly environment. Many of the sessions focus on team work, co-operation and communication…all very important skills for everyday life.
Benefits for parents
Parents/carers who are involved, find themselves in the company of other parents who have similar experiences. This enables families to form a tight social group in which they can share advice on topics including school, social activities, and care providers.
Connect with DSActive - Arsenal North London United today to find out more
Get in touchVolunteer
Benefits for coaches
Coaches, volunteers and other members of staff involved with DSActive sessions will receive many benefits. They will all take part in Down’s syndrome specific coach education, which covers relevant and up to date knowledge of the condition. This helps to guarantee that best practice is being achieved at each club, ensuring coaching sessions are kept to a high standard for participants.
“I feel like I’m a better coach because of it; and hopefully the kids react to that. It is really challenging, but it is really rewarding as well.” – Fulham Badgers Football Coach
Additional coach benefits from being involved with DSActive:
- Better understanding of the condition
- Ability to promote community work in a unique and engaging way
- Help to improve the mental and physical state of their players
- Compete at national festivals
- Improvements in communication
Connect with DSActive - Arsenal North London United today to find out more
Get in touchGallery
Connect with DSActive - Arsenal North London United today to find out more
Get in touchAdditional Info
What the programme does
DSActive supports and works in partnership with sports clubs and activity providers to run sessions for people with Down’s syndrome. The DSActive team market all our sessions to increase participants, they regularly visit the sessions to support the coaches and run festivals with our sports clubs. The DSActive team also provide expert advice to each sports club or activity provider to ensure the sessions are of the highest standard possible and are suitable for all ages and abilities. The team have also helped many people with Down’s syndrome to achieve qualifications in their chosen sport so they can pursue their dreams of becoming coaches.
Working closely with many community and professional clubs, DSActive staff offer continuous support to everyone that is involved. During the start-up phase, clubs will be advised on the best way to organise and deliver a session to ensure the highest participation levels are achieved. Before any clubs begins their programme, they will be provided with coach education which is a workshop advising coaches how to work with people who have Down’s syndrome. Attendees of the workshop are not only qualified coaches, but are also volunteers, parents and staff at the club. This means everyone can get involved to form a tight community.
The DSActive National Festival
The DSActive National Festival is our showcase event and provides a fantastic platform for teams to showcase their football talent and compete with teams of a similar ability. As well as the competition side of the day, players and parents get the opportunity to interact and make friends with families from areas of the UK they usually wouldn’t communicate with.
Connect with DSActive - Arsenal North London United today to find out more
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