Richard Henderson
"The thing I really love about my job is knowing that we’re making a difference."
For Richard Henderson, a BSc Sports Coaching graduate, working in community sport is more than just a job—it’s a passion rooted in inclusion, empowerment, and impact. Now serving as a Disability Sport Coordinator with , Richard supports people with disabilities through tailored physical education and football programmes.
“The thing I love about my job is the fact that we make a difference to the people we see on a regular basis. Sometimes those opportunities they wouldn't really get elsewhere. This job really is all around trying to engage with the community to support people with disabilities in a number of different ways.”
“We work closely with schools—primary, secondary, and colleges—to deliver specialist SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) provision. A lot of it is PE-focused, but we also adapt to what each school needs, often incorporating football.”
This hands-on role involves engaging with young people who may not otherwise have access to inclusive sports opportunities. The Foundation’s work extends beyond school hours, with evening sessions that include pan-disability football. These sessions are designed for players with disabilities who can walk or run. They offer different levels based on ability, so everyone can train regularly and take part in matches.
“We’ve built a really strong pan-disability football setup. It’s about creating a space where everyone can play, develop, and feel part of a team.”
Richard is also involved in elite para-sport. The foundation supports several competitive teams, including powerchair football, partially sighted football, and blind football—the latter being his area of expertise.
“Blind football has been a passion of mine since university. One of my lecturers, David Mycock, really inspired me to explore it further. That led to conversations with the Albion Foundation and eventually to my current role.”
The journey from university to full-time employment was shaped by a combination of academic learning and practical experience. Volunteering with the Albion Foundation during his studies helped build the skills and confidence he needed to step into a professional role.
“果冻传媒 gave me the foundation, but volunteering gave me the experience. By the time I started the job, I felt ready to make a real impact.”
Richard’s advice to students:
“Get involved early. Volunteering opened so many doors for me. It’s the best way to apply what you’re learning and find out what you’re passionate about.”
Find out more about the School of Sport and Exercise Science