Within Reach Impact Evaluation
2018
Our evaluation of Sheffield’s disability sport programme, run by Within Reach and Sheffield City Council, explored the benefits for participants, families, and volunteers,
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Within Reach Impact Report
Since 2010, disability charity Within Reach and Sheffield City Council have partnered to deliver a broad range of disability sport and physical activity projects, funded by Sport England. Over this period, more than 7,000 participants have engaged in hundreds of sessions delivered by council coaches and volunteer-led clubs.
The programme reached diverse groups, including 45% female participants and 10% from BME communities (2013–2018), across 55 clubs and activities city-wide. While participation numbers were well-documented, less was known about the qualitative impacts on participants’ lives, families, volunteers, and the wider community.
This evaluation explored both the personal and social benefits of participation and lessons for sustaining disability sport in Sheffield beyond the end of Sport England funding.
Our Approach
We employed a mixed-methods research approach to capture the breadth and depth of experiences across Sheffield’s disability sport network:
In-depth semi-structured interviews with 39 respondents, including participants, parents/carers, volunteers, coaches, and other stakeholders.
Participatory research sessions with 105 respondents, using interactive tools designed to overcome barriers such as language, literacy, or learning disabilities.
Analysis focused on benefits, barriers, and recommendations, enabling a holistic understanding of the programme’s strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for future development.
Our methods ensured that lived experience was at the centre of the evaluation, capturing perspectives from both users and non-users of disability sport.
Key Findings
Strengths of the Programme:
Strong infrastructure supporting clubs and sessions city-wide.
Skilled coaches and volunteers, offering inclusive, flexible, and participant-centred delivery.
Accessible venues and diverse activities, with affordable and well-publicised options.
Legacy of passionate, well-networked individuals committed to sustaining disability sport.
Benefits to Participants and Families:
Physical wellbeing: increased fitness, mobility, and management of health conditions.
Mental wellbeing: improved confidence, self-esteem, reduced isolation, and enjoyment.
Social development: supportive networks, friendships, and sense of belonging.
Individual development: new skills, independence, and opportunities for volunteering or employment.
Families benefited through pride, respite, strengthened relationships, and access to supportive networks.
Barriers Identified:
Individual barriers: accessibility challenges, cost, discrimination, lack of parental support.
Institutional barriers: limited public funding, low awareness among decision-makers, reliance on volunteers, and poor integration with health and social care services.
Recommendations
Raise awareness of disability sport and the achievements of athletes.
Provide training for sport centre coaches and staff on inclusive practice.
Develop an active disability sport network to coordinate provision and resources.
Integrate health and social care pathways to support participation.
Promote visibility of clubs, events, and opportunities to new audiences.
‘We have one girl who has poor vision and her confidence was low. One day two guys in the club came in really bright tops so she could see where to throw. It really touched me that they even thought to do that. That’s the benefit. They are there to help each other, and support each other.’
Volunteer, Within Reach
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