13 accessible and inclusive activities for everyone in Gloucestershire

If you have a disability getting physically active can seem like climbing a mountain, but there are plenty of groups across Gloucestershire with open doors and open arms to help you get moving. SoGlos rounds up 13 of the best.

By Emma Luther  |  Published
Gymnastics can be a great way to get youngsters of all abilities into exercise.

If you're unsure about how to build more activity into your week and feel in need of some group motivation, finding a club that brings people together could be just what you need to get going.

SoGlos caught up with Active Gloucestershire to find out about some of the most accessible and inclusive activities to inspire everyone to get moving - no matter the size of your physical or mental challenges.

1. BEAM! Gymnastics 

Inclusion is at the heart of everything BEAM! does. Supporting children to discover just what they're capable of, the group focuses on celebrating individual success through movement.

Based in Cirencester, the gymnastics classes are geared towards those youngsters who have additional emotional, physical, behavioural and sensory challenges.


2. Longlevens Mixed Ability Rugby Sports Club 

This club in Longlevens offers an opportunity to be competitive or simply participate as a recreational player.

Players can choose to play contact rugby or take a step back from the physical impact. The club has a place on the pitch for everyone and makes mixed ability rugby accessible.

Players include those who are disabled and non-disabled, over 17 years old.


3. DLK Inclusion Sports

Set up during the pandemic, DLK Inclusion Sports aims to provide activity sessions for schools and communities that are suitable for all.

Community walking rugby sessions are regularly held at one of Gloucestershire’s most iconic locations – Gloucester Cathedral.

Multi sports and walking rugby is held across Gloucester and is suitable for all abilities and ages.


4. Aspire Trust 

Providing facilities and activities to suit everyone, the Aspire Trust has lots of inclusive activity sessions that run between GL1 leisure centre and Oxstalls University of Gloucestershire campus in Gloucester.

Offering multi-sports for all abilities and all ages, its sessions are truly inclusive.


5. Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation

Designed to change views on cricket, Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation runs a number of inclusive sessions across the county to suit the needs of all young people.

From table cricket, to Super 1s, there are lots of different ways to get involved, and families are welcome to join in too. 

The Super 1s cricket sessions are held across Gloucestershire for young people of all abilities, aged from 12 to 25 years.


6. Goals Beyond Grass

Goals Beyond Grass is growing the profile of powerchair football across Gloucestershire, providing opportunities for everyone to have a go.

Alongside powerchair football, GBG provides a huge range of county-wide inclusive activities, including GBG bikes, boccia and PAN disability football.

Participants include disabled and non-disabled players of all ages.


7. Allsorts 

A front runner in advocacy, activities and support, Allsorts in Stroud provides affordable, accessible and welcoming opportunities for young people and their families.

With everything from dance and yoga to football and sensory play sessions, there is a vast range of activities on offer. 

Inclusive multi-sports sessions are suitable for any disability or additional need and cater for ages from tots right up to 25-year-olds.


8. Visually Impaired Physical Activity Gloucestershire

VIPA Glos is a leader in Gloucestershire for supporting people living with a visual impairment.

It helps them to get active, participate in sport and compete at competitions across the country.

VIPA Glos currently runs visually impaired tennis sessions for adults at Oxstalls Tennis Centre in Gloucester and has plans to expand county-wide in the near future. 

9. Gloucester Athletics Sports Club

Gloucester Athletics Track is home to some amazing track and field para-athletes and there is always space for more to join.

Providing opportunities to take part in all para-athletic events including ambulant running, wheelchair racing and framerunning, there is a new adventure just round the bend in the track. 

Athletics and frame running is suitable for all abilities and all ages.


10. Cotswold Crusaders Boccia Club

Boccia is a sport that can be played by all. A target sport played with leather balls, Boccia England calls it a game of tactics, skill and tension.

Cotswold Crusaders is a Cheltenham boccia club giving the chance to learn, take part and compete in the sport.  All abilities and all ages are welcome.


11. Together We Can 

With a focus on inclusion, socialising and having fun, Together We Can is a group for anyone living with disabilities from eight years old right up to 100.

The not-for-profit organisation provides a range of weekly activities and days out, including Zumba, pantomimes and group barbecues in the Forest of Dean.


12. Freedom Leisure 

With multiple locations in the Forest of Dean, Freedom Leisure hosts a range of inclusive activities, including swimming and multi-sports, as well as offering adaptive gym equipment, ensuring there are options for all. 

Gym facilities and multi-sports are suitable for children of all abilities.

13. Tandemonium 

This community group was created with the aim of promoting cycling to the visually impaired of Cheltenham and the surrounding area and to strengthen the ties between the local visually impaired and sighted communities.

Tandemonium creates social and active opportunities by using tandem bikes to bring visually impaired adults together. 

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