Melissa on how DSC makes everyone feel included

Melissa moved from Belgium to London in 2019 to pursue her love of music, but lost her job with the outbreak of Covid.

With more time on her hands, Melissa started volunteering and visiting schools to teach boxing to young girls.

It was then that she met the manager of Club Brent and was introduced to the work of Disability Sports Coach (DSC) and how the charity opens doors for disabled people to access sport.

She said: “I found that I really connected with them [disabled participants]. They aren’t different from me and I found I learnt from them as much as they did from me.”

Now Melissa coordinates all of DSC’s community clubs and is responsible for awards, accreditations and events.

She said: Disability Sports Coach creates an opportunity for people with a disability to feel included. It’s not based on competition. It gives them the opportunity to feel comfortable and try different sports.”