Sion Swifts Sonics DFC

Aim

Help Relaunch Sion Sonics inclusive Football for All! A football programme for those aged 4–25 with physical and/or learning disabilities.

Who are we?

Sion Sonics is a part of Sion Swifts FC, a grassroots football club in Sion Mills, Strabane, dedicated to inclusion and community development. Sonics DFC provides a safe, fun, and structured space where young people with disabilities can play football, build friendships, and feel part of something special.

We’re now relaunching and rejuvenating the programme after a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Following a successful pilot campaign –  we need your help!

Why are we crowdfunding?

Your donations (matched by Sport NI!) will help us:

Hire a safe, accessible venue that allows Sonics to grow ( likely Bog Hall, Sion Mills)

Deliver  12 weeks inclusive football sessions  starting in September  with the vision of extending this into for the foreseeable future 

Train and develop coaches who specialise in autism and disability football through IFA coach education programs.  

Purchase specialist equipment tailored to different needs

This funding will allow us to turn a successful six-week taster programme (attended by 25+ young people!) into a sustained, weekly football project that meets real demand in our community.

Sion sonics is Creating Opportunities for 

Women & girls;

People with disabilities;

Children & young people – especially those aged between 11-18 years;

Ethnically diverse communities;

People living in areas of greatest need (based on NISRA postcode, quartile1);

People living in rural areas (based on NISRA postcode)

Sion Mills is one of Northern Ireland’s most deprived areas:

Top 7% for income deprivation

Top 5% for employment deprivation

Top 9% for health deprivation

Families here often lack access to recreational activities for children with additional needs. This programme tackles that head-on – giving boys and girls aged 4-25 with physical and/or learning challenges a place to play, belong, and grow.

Built With Community Input and Ownership

Parents helped design the programme

Sessions are tailored to individual needs

We’ve worked closely with the Irish Football Association and Disability Sport NI

Local schools and support organisations are involved

How we’ll spend the money raised

Thanks to your support – and matched funding from Sport NI – we’ll invest £10,000 directly into relaunching Sion Sonics and ensuring it’s sustainable, inclusive, and impactful whilst benefiting the wider Sion Swifts community also.

Here’s how your donations will be used:

Venue Hire  (£1800 )

12 Weekly sessions (3hrs per week -£50 per hr) providing a safe and familiar space for children and young adults to play and connect.

Coach Training (£3,050)

 7 IFA Level 1 Coaching Disabled Footballers Awards -(£40 per person)

8 DSNI Autism in Sport workshops (£45 per person)

8 IFA Level 1 National Coaching Certificates (£220 per person)

1 UEFA C licence £650 

This training will give our coaches the tools to deliver fully inclusive, person-centred sessions. By upskilling a number of our current coaches as well as training  new coaches this will ensure the sustainability not only of the program but also Sion Swifts as a whole (as the coaches who led the sonic pilot scheme are also involved in coaching many other year groups including little Dribblers)

Equipment (£5,150)

As well as the the traditional football equipment, the fundraising will be used to purchase carefully selected specialist equipment with input from parents and the IFA to meet a wide range of physical and sensory needs, for example

Crash mats £600

Wobble boards- £300

Sensory/Yoga balls  £300

Ear defenders- £200

Weighted Vests- £330

Sensory tent- £ 240

Foldable  trampolines - £560

Medals / trophies -£330

As well as the traditional football equipment.

Bibs -£90

Balls- £300

Cones- £100

Pop up goals -£600

Agility ladders, resistance parachutes, hurdles,  -£200

Storage container -£1000

This equipment can also be utilised by the boys and girls in the wider Sion swifts community  benefiting over 300 recipients.

The Impact of Sion Sonics 2.0 on Our Community

Sion Sonics 2.0 will transform lives in Sion Mills and the wider Strabane area by breaking down barriers to sport for young people with disabilities.

Here’s what your support will help achieve:

Inclusion and Belonging

Many children with disabilities face social isolation and limited access to activities. Sonics 2.0 creates a safe space where every child is welcomed, supported, and included – regardless of their ability.

Improved Physical and Mental Health

Regular, fun physical activity can significantly boost both physical and emotional wellbeing. Our sessions are designed to build confidence, reduce anxiety, and promote healthy habits.

Support for Families

Parents and carers often struggle to find accessible, appropriate activities for their children. Sonics 2.0 offers them peace of mind, knowing their child is in a supportive environment that understands their needs.

Youth Empowerment and Skill-Building

By offering training to local volunteers and parents, we’re building a network of skilled, compassionate community leaders who will help sustain inclusive sport into the future.

Community Cohesion

This project strengthens local connections by bringing together children, families, coaches, and volunteers in a shared, positive experience – promoting understanding, respect, and unity.

A Lifelong Pathway in Sport

Sonics 2.0 isn’t a one-off programme – it’s a stepping stone to lifelong participation. Whether for fun, fitness, or future development, it opens doors that manythought were closed.

How you can play your part

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!

4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details, just a fun idea!

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made