Disability Sports Coach
In partnership with Team London Bridge since 2022, DSC has grown Community Club Southwark into a thriving hub for disabled residents. What began with just 19 participants has expanded to 79 regular members, supported by a wider network of 154 people, including parents, carers and volunteers.
Key outcomes include:
- 89% of members reported reduced loneliness.
- 45% of participants with learning or complex disabilities met recommended activity levels—more than double the national average.
- Supported the training of disabled volunteers through the Nike-funded Inclusive Activity Leaders programme, many of whom now coach across London.
A standout moment came when Temi, a former volunteer, was honoured with performing the Coin Toss at Wimbledon’s 2025 Men’s Singles Wheelchair Final, celebrating his journey from participant to role model.
“Our partnership with Team London Bridge has helped our Community Club in Southwark thrive—creating a welcoming space where disabled people can build confidence, friendships and active lifestyles. Thanks to the Building Bridges Fund, we’ve been able to tackle loneliness and inequality in Southwark through the power of sport.”
— Amardeep Gill, Disability Sports Coach
Family-focused initiatives like the Southwark Christmas Club, supported by Team London Bridge’s Gift Back campaign, brought joy and gifts to every member. Broader community events, such as Paralympic celebration days and corporate awareness sessions, strengthened visibility and support.
Bankside Open Spaces Trust (BOST) & Marlborough Sports Garden
BOST reached over 2,000 people through its wide-ranging, inclusive programming—anchored at the Marlborough Sports Garden (MSG). Free after-school and holiday camps supported 500+ children, many from overcrowded housing, while tailored SEND sessions welcomed 19 regular pupils and reached 350+ young people through five inclusive sports festivals.
Highlights include:
- A walking sports programme for adults aged 55+ improved health and wellbeing for 48 participants.
- 97% of surveyed children reported increased enjoyment, confidence, and new skills.
- Strong ties developed with 18 local schools, London South Bank University, and inclusive sports leaders like Access Sport and Surrey Cricket Foundation.
The visibility and success of this work contributed to over £4 million raised for MSG’s capital redevelopment—creating a space that will serve future generations.
“The Building Bridges Fund has been nothing short of transformative… The continuity of funding gave us the stability to grow a programme that truly welcomes everyone… The legacy of this support will live on.”
— Jack Harrison, Head of Sport and Development, BOST
BOST’s impact also reached national audiences, with Marlborough Sports Garden featured in The Guardian and Evening Standard, elevating the role of inclusive green space in urban wellbeing.
The success of the Building Bridges Fund underscores the potential of business-led community investment. By building strong local partnerships, enabling inclusive access to sport and green space, and supporting long-term sustainability, this initiative has made a measurable difference.
We encourage London Bridge businesses to include this into their social impact reporting, as none of this would be possible without the funding we receive from our members! If you’d like to see the detailed impact reports from either of the two grantees, please contact Sofia.