Queen and King of the Court partner focus: Action for Kids Charity

Having worked with fellow event partner SideOut at the ‘pop-up’ beach courts in Canary Wharf for a number of years, they will be on-site at this Friday and Saturday’s spectacular event – being played at London’s Canary Wharf (E14 5AH) to raise money for their important cause. 

Here, you can read case studies that bring to life the great work the charity is doing to remove barriers and improve independence. 

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Empowering young people through sport 

Disabled and neurodiverse children and young people face many barriers to good health and wellbeing, access to appropriate mobility equipment and sustainable employment is limited. 

With this in mind, AFK provides specialist equipment, education and employability support to aid independence, helping young disabled and neurodiverse people grow, both physically and mentally. 

Sport teaches confidence, teamwork, and social skills, but many disabled children face challenges when trying to take part. 

Research shows that disabled children are twice as likely to be physically inactive as other children. Many feel left out during PE at school because they don’t get the right support. 

AFK has been proud to be working with SideOut and Volleyball England on the award-winning and unique AFK Charity Beach Volleyball Event at Canary Wharf, with the Queen & King of the Court London Showcase this weekend an exciting extension of that. 

Every penny raised from events fundraising supports the charity’s work and you can donate by clicking here. 

 

  

Devalle’s Story 

One young person who has been inspired by sport is Devalle after joining AFK’s Employment and Skills Programme upon finishing his Sports BTEC. 

Devalle, who has a learning disability, loves basketball. Through the charity’s programme, he has developed his leadership skills and led activities for other young people during one of the Leadership Programmes. His confidence has grown as he has worked with others. 

Devalle then took his passion a step further by starting Adaptive Ballers, an Instagram page focused on bridging the gap between wheelchair basketball and mainstream basketball. 

His goal is to make wheelchair basketball as popular and celebrated as traditional basketball. However, the page is not just about basketball; it’s also about building a community where disabled athletes can be seen, heard, and inspired.    

He is now connected with the London Titans, a top wheelchair basketball team, who have welcomed him and are supporting him in his journey to make basketball more inclusive. 

Devalle is excited to learn from the players, coaches, and videographers and hopes to inspire others like him. 

Through AFK’s programmes, he developed leadership skills, leading activities for other young people and growing in confidence. 

Devalle said: “Sport has given me a lot in terms of being part of a team or sports community. It has helped build friendships and a sense of belonging. 

“Sport has influenced me with (my) discipline, teamwork, leadership, and perseverance, and helped me set and reach goals.” 

 

 

Jozef’s Paralympic Dreams 

During a big summer of sport, AFK was delighted to fund Jozef’s sports chair, who is now aged 17. 

He contracted Meningococcal Septicemia at 18 months old and is a double lower limb and finger amputee. 

Jozef has a powerchair and uses prosthetics and blades for day-to-day life and activities. He has achieved a karate brown belt and is working towards his black belt. 

Alongside this, Jozef loves wheelchair rugby and has been told he has immense potential, so is now being coached by the GB gold medal winning coach and is on the elite pathway. 

However, Jozef was being held back by not having a custom sports chair and was borrowing a different one each week at training, which is when AFK stepped in to partner up with Meningitis Now to fund the perfect chair. 

A few days after it was delivered, he played for a team in a Division 2 tournament, where they came second and has since been asked to play for them again. 

Jozef has also been invited to play in the Paralympic League at the Nationals at the end of the month, all this whilst still playing for Burton Wheelchair Rugby Club. 

His family said: “He is like a different player, not only in his speed and manoeuvrability, but also in his confidence. We can't thank AFK enough for your support. Watch this space... you might see him at the Paralympics one day!”

Jozef's mental and physical wellbeing has greatly improved since he started playing wheelchair rugby, so that he no longer feels like he is left behind when playing sport.  

Sports like those seen in this summer’s Paralympics show what disabled athletes can achieve and send a strong message about inclusion.  

By providing opportunities for disabled young people to participate in sports,A FK aims to create a future where no one is left behind. Everyone deserves the chance to get involved, be active, and grow through their involvement in sport.