ActiveLife Disability Sports
Inclusive sport & fitness for people with disabilities – Manchester & Salford
Sport Is For Everyone
ActiveLife provides accessible sport and fitness sessions for people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, sensory impairments, and long-term health conditions across Greater Manchester. All equipment provided. Qualified disability sport coaches. First 3 sessions completely FREE to try.
🏅 Sports We Offer
- Wheelchair Basketball
- Seated Volleyball
- Boccia (precision ball sport)
- Swimming (adapted sessions)
- Powerchair Football
- Table Tennis
- Wheelchair Rugby
- Goalball (for visually impaired)
- Badminton (standing & seated)
- Gym & Fitness sessions
- Athletics (track & field)
- Multi-sports sessions
♿ Who Can Join
- Wheelchair users
- People with cerebral palsy
- Amputees & limb differences
- Spinal cord injuries
- Visual impairments / blind
- Deaf / hearing impaired
- Learning disabilities
- Autism spectrum
- Stroke survivors
- Long-term health conditions
- ANY disability – we adapt!
✨ What’s Included
- Qualified disability sport coaches
- All equipment (wheelchairs, balls, etc)
- Fully accessible venues
- Changing Places toilets
- Support workers train FREE
- Social sessions (not just sport!)
- Competitions & tournaments
- Pathway to elite sport
- Inclusive, friendly environment
📖 Member Story: How Sport Changed Jake’s Life
Jake, 19, was born with cerebral palsy. He uses a wheelchair for mobility. Throughout school, PE lessons were difficult – teachers didn’t know how to include him, and he often sat out watching. After leaving school, Jake became isolated at home, spending most days gaming online. His mum worried about his physical health and confidence.
“I’d never really done sport. At school I was always the one sitting on the sidelines. When I left school I just stayed home. Gaming was easier than going out. My mum saw an advert for ActiveLife and basically made me go. I was really nervous – I thought I’d be rubbish. But from the first wheelchair basketball session, I was hooked. The coaches treated me like an athlete, not like ‘the disabled kid’. They pushed me. I got better. Now I train twice a week, I’ve made a whole group of mates, I’ve competed in tournaments in Leeds and Birmingham. I’m fitter than I’ve ever been. My confidence has gone through the roof. Last month I started college – sport gave me the confidence to do that. ActiveLife genuinely changed my life.”
Jake’s journey with ActiveLife:
- Before: Isolated at home, no sport experience, low confidence, sedentary lifestyle
- First 3 sessions: FREE trial – wheelchair basketball on Mondays
- Joined fully: £12/month membership (concession rate – on Universal Credit)
- Sports now: Wheelchair basketball (Mon 6-8pm), Boccia (Wed 7-8pm), Gym (Fri 10-11am)
- Equipment provided: Sports wheelchair, balls, all kit
- Progress: Joined Manchester Wheelchair Basketball team (competitive), competed in regional tournaments
- Social benefits: Made 15+ friends, goes out socially with teammates, part of WhatsApp group
- Physical health: Lost 2 stone, improved upper body strength, better stamina
- Mental health: Confidence improved massively, started college, more independent
Jake now volunteers as a young coach, helping new members get started. He’s one of 400+ members at ActiveLife.
What Sports Can You Try?
We offer 12+ different sports. All sessions are coached, inclusive, and adapted to your ability level.
🏀 Wheelchair Basketball
What is it? Basketball played in sports wheelchairs. Fast-paced, competitive, fantastic workout. One of the most popular Paralympic sports.
Who can play:
- Wheelchair users (any type of wheelchair user)
- Amputees (lower limb)
- Anyone with lower body impairment
- You DON’T need to be a wheelchair user! Non-disabled people play in wheelchairs too for inclusivity
Sessions:
- Beginners (Mondays 6-7pm): Learn rules, basic skills, fun games. Perfect for first-timers.
- Intermediate (Mondays 7-8pm): More competitive, small-sided games, tactics
- Advanced (Thursdays 6-8pm): Competitive team training, drills, matches
What we provide:
- Sports wheelchairs (lightweight, designed for basketball – we have 20+)
- Basketballs
- Bibs/team colors
- Qualified coaches (all Level 2+ basketball, disability sport trained)
Pathway: Start as beginner → Join intermediate → Join our competitive team (Manchester Rollers) → Compete regionally → Potential pathway to GB Wheelchair Basketball!
🏐 Seated Volleyball
What is it? Volleyball played sitting down. You sit on the floor, smaller court, lower net. Paralympic sport. Brilliant team game.
Who can play:
- Anyone! This is THE most inclusive sport we offer
- Wheelchair users (transfer to floor)
- Amputees
- People with limited mobility
- Visually impaired (we have a blind/VI session)
- Learning disabilities
- Literally anyone can play seated volleyball
Why it’s great:
- Super inclusive – mixed ability, everyone plays together
- Social and fun – very team-focused
- Good workout but not overly intense
- Easy to learn, hard to master
Session structure:
- Warm-up (10 mins)
- Skills practice – passing, serving (20 mins)
- Small-sided games (45 mins)
- Full 6v6 match (15 mins)
🎯 Boccia
What is it? Precision ball sport (like bowls). Roll, throw, or kick colored balls as close as possible to a white target ball. Paralympic sport. Fantastic for people with severe disabilities.
Who can play:
- People with severe physical disabilities
- Cerebral palsy
- Muscular dystrophy
- Very limited mobility
- Can be played using ramps/chutes if you can’t throw
- Powerchair users
Why it’s amazing:
- Completely accessible for VERY severe disabilities
- Strategic – it’s like chess with balls
- Competitive but calm (not physically demanding)
- Can be played at elite Paralympic level OR just for fun
Sessions:
- Wednesdays: Competitive session – for people playing in leagues
- Sundays: Social session – relaxed, fun, learn the game
Equipment: All provided (boccia balls, ramps, measuring tools)
🏊 Swimming (Adapted Sessions)
What we offer: Inclusive swimming sessions with hoist access, poolside wheelchairs, and qualified instructors.
Who can swim:
- Wheelchair users (pool hoist available)
- Amputees
- Stroke survivors
- People with limited mobility
- Learning disabilities / autism (quieter session, fewer people)
- Visual impairments
What’s provided:
- Pool hoist (for transferring into pool)
- Poolside wheelchairs (get changed, wheel to hoist)
- Changing Places toilet (full hoist, changing bench)
- Flotation aids if needed
- Swim instructors (disability trained)
Session types:
- Learn to swim (beginners)
- Lane swimming (improvers/confident swimmers)
- Hydrotherapy-style (gentle exercise in water)
- Fun session (games, relays, social)
⚽ Powerchair Football
What is it? Football played in powered wheelchairs. 4v4, full-sized goals, FAST and competitive. Absolutely brilliant sport.
Who can play:
- Powerchair users (electric wheelchair)
- People with very limited mobility
- Severe cerebral palsy
- Muscular dystrophy
- High-level spinal injuries
- Any condition requiring powered mobility
Equipment:
- Powerchairs with protective guards/bumpers (we have 8 available if you don’t have your own)
- Special football (size 13″ soccer ball)
- Goals
Why it’s incredible:
- FAST – powerchairs go 6mph+, it’s exhilarating
- Physical – you’re bumping, blocking, tackling
- Tactical – positioning, passing, teamwork
- Competitive – we compete in national leagues
👁️ Goalball (Visually Impaired Sport)
What is it? Ball sport designed specifically for blind/visually impaired people. 3v3, you throw a ball with bells in it at the opponent’s goal while they try to block. Everyone wears eyeshades (blindfolds) so it’s completely fair.
Who can play:
- Blind people
- Visually impaired (any level of vision)
- Sighted people (you wear eyeshades)
Why it’s amazing:
- Completely equalizes vision – everyone “blind” in eyeshades
- Relies on hearing (ball has bells)
- Intense, fast-paced, competitive
- Paralympic sport
Equipment: All provided (goalball, eyeshades, knee/elbow pads)
💪 Gym & Fitness Sessions
What we offer: Adapted gym session with specialist disability fitness instructors.
Who it’s for:
- Anyone with a disability who wants to improve fitness
- People new to exercise
- Wheelchair users (we have accessible machines)
- People recovering from injury/surgery
What happens:
- Personal exercise program designed for you
- One-to-one support from instructors
- Adapted equipment (wheelchair-accessible machines, resistance bands, free weights)
- Circuit training OR individual gym programs
Equipment available:
- Wheelchair-accessible cardio machines
- Arm bikes
- Free weights (with assistance if needed)
- Resistance bands & exercise balls
Weekly Schedule
Drop in to any session – no need to book (except swimming). First 3 sessions FREE.
| Day | Time | Sport | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 6-8pm | Wheelchair Basketball (All levels) | Manchester Sports Centre |
| Tuesday | 7-8:30pm | Seated Volleyball | Salford Sports Hall |
| Wednesday | 7-8pm | Boccia (Competitive) | ActiveLife Centre |
| Thursday | 6-8pm | Wheelchair Basketball (Advanced) | Manchester Sports Centre |
| Friday | 10-11am | Gym & Fitness | ActiveLife Centre |
| Friday | 6-7:30pm | Powerchair Football | Salford Sports Hall |
| Saturday | 9-10am | Swimming (Adapted) | Manchester Aquatics |
| Sunday | 2-3pm | Boccia (Social) | ActiveLife Centre |
| Sunday | 4-5:30pm | Goalball (Visually Impaired) | Manchester Sports Centre |
Plus: Table Tennis (Wed 6-7pm), Badminton (Tues 6-7pm), Athletics (Sat 2-4pm – seasonal)
Membership & Costs
💰 Standard Membership
£15/month
Includes:
- Unlimited access to ALL sessions
- All equipment provided
- Qualified coaches
- Support workers train FREE
- First 3 sessions FREE trial
🎓 Concession Membership
£10/month
For: Students, unemployed, Universal Credit, PIP/DLA recipients
Same benefits as standard membership
Just mention when joining – no proof needed
✨ Pay-as-you-go
£5/session
Good for: People who can’t commit to monthly
Note: Works out more expensive if you attend 3+ times/month
Swimming: £5 per session (non-members)
How to Get Started
Get in Touch
Call 0161 555 9000, email info@activelife-sports.org.uk, or just turn up to a session! No booking needed (except swimming).
Try 3 FREE Sessions
Come along to any sessions you like – first 3 are completely free. Try different sports, see what you enjoy!
Join as Member
If you love it (we think you will!), sign up for monthly membership. £10-15/month, unlimited sessions, cancel anytime.
Common Questions
❓ I’ve never done sport before – is that OK?
Absolutely! Most of our members had never done sport before joining. Our coaches are brilliant at teaching beginners. We have people aged 8-65, complete beginners to elite athletes. Everyone starts somewhere!
❓ Do I need to bring my own wheelchair/equipment?
No! We provide everything. Sports wheelchairs for basketball/rugby, powerchairs for football, boccia balls, swimming aids – all provided. Just turn up in comfortable clothes.
❓ I use a powerchair – can I still join?
Yes! We have powerchair football specifically for powerchair users. You can also do boccia, goalball, swimming, and gym sessions. Some sports require manual wheelchair (basketball, rugby) but we provide those.
❓ Are the venues wheelchair accessible?
100% yes. All our venues have level access, accessible toilets, Changing Places facilities (hoist, changing bench), and wheelchair parking. We wouldn’t use a venue that wasn’t fully accessible.
❓ Can my support worker come with me?
Yes, and they participate completely FREE. We never charge support workers or PAs. They’re part of enabling you to take part, so no charge.
❓ I have autism and find new places stressful – can you help?
Absolutely. Call ahead and we’ll arrange a quiet visit before the session starts so you can see the venue, meet the coach, understand what happens. Many of our members have autism and we’re very experienced in supporting autistic people into sport.
❓ What if I’m not very fit? Will I keep up?
Sessions are adapted to YOUR level. If you need breaks, take breaks. If you can only manage 20 minutes at first, that’s fine. Our coaches work with you at your pace. You’ll gradually build fitness – there’s no pressure.
❓ Can I try different sports or do I have to pick one?
Try as many as you like! Your membership gives unlimited access to everything. Some people do one sport, others try 5-6 different things. It’s up to you.
❓ Do you do competitive sport or just social?
Both! We have social/recreational sessions for fun and fitness. We also have competitive teams (wheelchair basketball, boccia, powerchair football) that compete in regional/national leagues. You choose your level.
❓ I’m visually impaired – what sports can I do?
Goalball is specifically designed for VI/blind people (everyone wears eyeshades so it’s equal). You can also do boccia, swimming, gym, seated volleyball. We adapt sessions – just let us know your needs.
Ask Our Website Assistant
Get instant answers about which sports we offer, accessibility, costs, how to join, what equipment is provided, and which sessions suit your disability. Available 24/7.
Try asking these questions:
💬 ActiveLife Website Assistant
This is where your ChatBot1 plugin will be integrated. The assistant can answer questions about ActiveLife sports, accessibility, costs, schedules, and what equipment is provided.
Example questions it can answer:
- What sports can I try?
- When is powerchair football?
- Do I need my own sports wheelchair?
- How much is membership?
- Where are sessions held?
- Can I bring my PA?
- What if I have autism?
- Do you have swimming?
ActiveLife Disability Sports is a fictional organization created for demonstration purposes. This page shows how disability sports organizations can use a Website Assistant to provide 24/7 information about accessible sports, schedules, costs, and how people with disabilities can get involved in sport.
