The European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA) and The Kate & Justin Rose Foundation have joined forces to create a new golf learning experience for children with disabilities.
From a try-out session at school to playing a round on a full-size course at a golf club, Project 250 is set to bring the sport to 250 young people with a disability, many of whom have never even considered golf before. The pilot has started in the Coventry area before spreading further afield throughout England.
Children with physical, neurological, sensory and intellectual disabilities will first learn that golf is actually a game they can play themselves. They will enjoy a ‘first touch’ safe format in their school setting with the goal of offering the experience of ‘real’ golf at a local golf facility, with organised follow-on opportunities.
The first session, typically in a PE lesson, is led by a PGA Professional coach, but supported by their teachers who have been trained to deliver six beginner sessions. Enthusiastic boys and girls could then visit their local golf venue under the supervision of PGA Professionals after three weeks of learning the basics, all offered with the accent on fun and group teamwork.
This EDGA initiative is backed by The Kate & Justin Rose Foundation, a charitable foundation recently established in the UK by Kate and Justin Rose with the aim of using golf as a vehicle to provide children with an opportunity to enjoy a sport that they would not otherwise have the chance to try.
The project is led in the West Midlands by Johnny Reay, General Manager of Stoneleigh Deer Park Golf Club, himself an England G4D (golf for the disabled) player and EDGA supporter, and PGA Professional Leah Roelich, a respected specialist in the coaching of juniors.
Leah has trained school staff to deliver the golf sessions (using the EDGA D3 model endorsed by The R&A with easy-to-use Golfway equipment, including putters, chippers and targets donated by the project).
This innovative journey began at Corley Academy in Coventry, a secondary school for students with complex communication and interaction difficulties.
Paul Zinkus, PE teacher at Corley Academy, said: “Our staff and students were thrilled to be part of the launch of this highly inclusive golf project. We can really see the potential for this format, to help so many youngsters with (and without) disability to access golf. Our students showed great focus and engagement in their learning. The session plans were clear and really supported our learners in understanding what golf is, and then their techniques within golf.
“The Golfway equipment and D3 plans have clearly been well thought out and researched. We are seriously impressed with the adapted equipment and how user-friendly it is. The feedback from the children has been wonderful, and we can’t wait to develop our links with EDGA and The Kate and Justin Rose Foundation.”
Leading the day, Johnny Reay said: “Every child deserves the chance to play, learn and grow, regardless of ability. It’s not about what they can’t do, but discovering what they can do. We are so proud to be part of this project and we thank The Kate and Justin Rose Foundation for their excellent support.”
Kate Rose, Chair of the Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be supporting EDGA with the innovative Project 250. Our mission is to work with like-minded organisations providing opportunities for disadvantaged youngsters and young people with a disability in the UK.
“Project 250 will enable these young people to experience golf, many for the very first time! The programme allows them to try golf, alongside their peers, within both a school and golf club environment, whilst also having a clear pathway for progression. We hope they will all enjoy the experience and have the chance to continue their golfing journey with the prospect of benefiting from the life-time rewards of golf as a sport.”
Then followed a trip to nearby Baginton Fields Academy, a broad spectrum school providing for secondary aged students with a diverse range of special educational needs. The project will roll out across Warwickshire and Birmingham, before moving further afield.
Mark Taylor, Head of Education and Instruction for EDGA, said: “Project 250 supports the G4D player pathway by introducing golf to school children who would never have thought they could achieve in this sport. The EDGA education modules provide practical and simulation training to teachers and teaching assistants who can then deliver golf sessions in the EDGA D3 format as a curricular activity.
“Once the participants have sampled golf in a familiar environment they then progress to golf club play at nearby venues. This model has proved to be a consistent player recruitment strategy to ensure that all participants are enjoying regular golf activities, and engaging siblings and family in the many benefits that golf can offer.”
Project 250 is a part of EDGA’s support of England Golf, one of 50 national golf federations the not-for-profit organisation works alongside as well as advising golf leadership groups, including The R&A, International Golf Federation and European Golf Association.