How a Football Foundation Empowered a Young Coach with Cerebral Palsy
Building Confidence Through Sport
For many, football is more than a game—it’s a lifeline to community, confidence, and personal growth. For 21-year-old Harrison Mayhew-Kemp from Ardleigh, Essex, volunteering with the Ipswich Town Football Club Foundation’s disability programme has been nothing short of transformative.
“This really was my first introduction into any community work,” Mayhew-Kemp explained. “This foundation and this programme has changed my life. I’ve met so many new people since starting this three years ago and it’s led to so many different things. Really, I can’t remember what I did three years ago.”
What began as volunteering has since evolved into a coaching role for the adult disability team, where he now inspires others through football.
Overcoming Barriers to Inclusion
Living with cerebral palsy, Mayhew-Kemp grew up feeling connected to a wider community but lacked inclusive opportunities. “Up until maybe five, six years ago, the foundation was non-existent,” he reflected. “So me growing up with a disability, I always felt part of a community, but I was never able to get involved in anything like this because it wasn’t a thing. Whether you’re young, middle-aged or old, it really impacts people’s lives for the better.”
Initially, he described himself as “quite reserved,” but the foundation helped him “come out of my shell” and become part of what he now calls “my family.”
A Family’s Pride and Transformation
Harrison’s journey has deeply inspired those closest to him. His father, Mike Kemp, expressed his pride:
“I am incredibly proud. [Harrison] has explained how much his confidence has grown and I think that’s massively down to the Foundation and the opportunities at college to progress his courses has been incredible.”
His stepmother, Nikki Kemp, echoed this sentiment:
“I genuinely don’t think if it wasn’t for the foundation, I don’t think he would be the same person. It has also changed our lives. I didn’t even support Ipswich, but I do now.”
A Role Model for Others
The club’s disability liaison officer, Lee Smith, praised Harrison’s determination and impact:
“He’s shown that with the disability he has that anything is possible and he’ll make it happen if he wants it badly enough. He’s shown a lot of people here that might not be as confident that it can be done and he’s made a difference to some of the players here. He should be proud of himself.”
Why Business Leaders Should Take Note
Stories like Harrison’s highlight the importance of inclusive programmes in both sports and business. Initiatives that empower underrepresented groups not only transform individual lives but also build stronger, more resilient communities. For companies, this underscores the value of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the long-term impact of investing in inclusive initiatives.
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