RAP disability sports programme - Club of the Month August 2025

Congratulations to Croydon RAP Disability Sport Programme, winner of our Club of the Month Award for August 2025. 

The inclusive RAP programme of sports and activities is run by Croydon Council and providing accessible opportunities across London's largest borough. Croydon’s sport and leisure team run the Recreation Activity Programme (RAP) for children and young people aged 5-25, with sessions including:

• Swimming
• Basketball
• Racket Sports
• Rebound Therapy
• Powerchair Football
• Dance
• Holiday clubs

The programme places focus on physical and social development and celebrate the smallest achievements whilst encouraging the progression of sport from grass roots through to excellence. Linda Plamas, sports coach with RAP, told us:

"Inclusion to me means that everybody matters. That everybody can have the opportunity to access what's out there." 

"Whatever the programme, whatever the sport, whatever the activity, we need to find a way to allow people to have that opportunity. Everybody should be allowed to participate."

The clubs are designed to be accessible and inclusive for young people with a wide range of disabilities or additional needs, and provide an opportunity for parents to meet other carers. Speaking of her daughter's (Sweeney) participation in the programme, Lily told us: "The coaches, they have been very patient, they’ve been very consistent and allowed Sydney to grow. she has enjoyed it in a way that it's kind of a protective factor for her. She loves it! Especially the socialising aspect of it as well." That positive impact also extends to the participants wider support network, Lily continued: "When she's swimming, I can go in for gym I can go do other things that I enjoy..."

"... it just gives me that strength that, when she comes out, I'm now okay to look after her, take care of her and support her in the best of ways."

Fellicia is the parent and carer of Cameron who attends RAP sessions. She said: “Cameron likes doing sports, so whenever RAP is happening he wants to go. He enjoysracket sports, like tennis, and basketball and he enjoys being able to try new things. He has also had the opportunity to take part in the London Youth Games and did well – he got a gold medal!”

Deputy Mayor, Councillor Lynne Hale, and Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, Councillor Andy Stranack, visited a basketball session held at Waddon Leisure Centre to present the award. Councillor Hale said: 

“It was clear to see how much the young people were enjoying the RAP basketball club – engaging in physical activity, learning new skills and, most importantly, having fun.”

RAP is fully funded by the Council and delivered in partnership with local organisations such as SLiDE Dance and Palace for Life Foundation. Last year alone, the programme delivered nearly 600 hours of sessions and engaged over 250 children and young people. Croydon hosted a RAP disability festival earlier this year and, in May, sent a team of six children to compete in the London Youth Games Para Swimming Gala. The team won silver collectively, with two children earning individual medals and four others securing two medals each. The entry fees and the team’s training were fully funded by Croydon Council.

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