Last week, 30 young people with special educational needs and disabilities took centre stage at Paddington Recreation Ground for the launch of Westminster’s new Schools SEND Football League.

Could they do it on a cold, rainy Wednesday morning in Westminster? Absolutely.

Four schools battled through the downpour as the first fixtures of the 2026/27 campaign kicked off. Abingdon House and St Marylebone CE Bridge School represented Westminster, joined by Wembley Manor School from Brent and Odyssey House School from Camden.

Big tackles, brilliant teamwork

Each school played three seven-a-side matches, with girls and boys from under-16 secondary school year groups taking part. Friendly fixtures have brought some of the schools together before, but the new league adds a competitive goal for players to chase, giving teammates the chance to test their game plans in a league of their own.

One Abingdon House player summed up the determination on display:

Building confidence through the game

The league is about much more than goals. It creates valuable opportunities for young people with additional needs to build confidence, develop teamwork, represent their schools and enjoy the buzz of competitive sport in a positive, supportive setting.