Autistic FC is an inclusive football team based in Essex. In #NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek and ahead of #AutismAwarenessMonth in April, ConnectSport reporters Ishan Shah and Mikey Kouwiloyan paid the club a visit and produced this uplifting short film on the amazing story behind it.
“My Autism is my superpower” says the founder of Autistic FC, what is believed to be the UK’s first football team for neurodiverse children.
Football is called the Beautiful Game for a reason. Leading the charge for inclusion is Autistic FC, a club created specifically to provide neurodiverse children the opportunity to play football in a safe and inclusive environment.
SUPERPOWER
Based in Brentwood, Essex, Autistic FC was founded five years ago by chairman Dan Franklyn and his 13-year-old son, Charlie. From what started as an idea in their backyard, the club now boasts more than 90 children on its books.
“I was part of a football team before I started this and they didn't treat me as well,” said Charlie. “So I thought, kids like me that haven't been treated well by other football teams, why don't we make a team for them?
“My autism is my superpower,” Charlie added. “It means that I have something unique to the other kids that I know. I feel like it really does make me feel like I'm a different person, in a good way.”
Autism can mean different things to different people, but for Charlie and the members of Autistic FC, it’s a strength, not a hindrance.
“It says it on our badge, we're Autistic FC,” said Dan. “We’re proud of it and we don't pretend to be anything we're not.
“'Football for all' is our motto,” Dan continued. “As much as I love football, it isn't an inclusive space. These kids just haven't been given an opportunity and it just shows what they can do when they’re given an opportunity and a space where they can be themselves. That’s all we offer.”
THRILLED
Autistic FC had more than 30 children sign up ahead of their first training session in 2019, and Head Coach Ollie Mitchell has been working with them since day one.
“It’s something that's never been done before,” said Ollie. “It is the first of its kind and I was thrilled to be asked to come down and help.
“I've been here since the start, and to see how their footballing abilities have come along from five years ago, to now being able to play on an 11-a-side pitch with people who they are friends with is amazing.
“It's made me more aware of other people's abilities,” Ollie added. “Seeing how much we have affected everyone's lives is great to see.
“We want to promote that we're not just a small club in Essex. We're here for everyone who wants to play for Autistic FC, whether you're in England or abroad. As long as you see us on Instagram, I want you to feel like you’re part of the club too.”
The club plays in Division Four of the Brentwood Community Football Alliance (BCFA) Youth League (under-15). While they currently sit bottom of the table, that is not something the club are concerned about at all.
PROGRESSION
“Progression for us isn't necessarily on the football pitch,” said Dan. “Someone might have improved their confidence at school or spoken a few times. The football is secondary for us. The most important stuff is the social, communicative stuff that we like to see.”
“Some kids were non-verbal when we started and now they can speak perfectly,” Charlie revealed. “That's the most enjoyable part about it.”
For the past five years, Autistic FC has been giving neurodiverse children a chance to play football and develop their social skills. But with more than 90 members on the books, what is next for the club?
“We want our own inclusive space under the Autistic FC banner,” said Dan. “Like a leisure centre, with our own 3G pitch, our own club shop, and cafeteria.”
“I see us creating like a league for autistic children with teams that have the same idea as us,” Charlie added. “We can create a league, a new foundation, and a new environment for these kids. That's what I want the future to be.”
By using football as a tool to improve their self-confidence and social skills, this incredible group of inspiring children are proving that football is for everyone.
Find out more about Autistic FC and follow their journey at autisticfc.com
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