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In a landmark year celebrating a decade of inclusive grassroots football, the Well Lane Warriors, Newry’s pioneering mixed gender and mixed ability/disability football team are set to embark on a once in a lifetime trip to Liverpool as part of the “Wellness for Warriors” program in an initiative which is committed to offering professional football experiences to young people of all abilities.
Well Lane Warriors was founded in 2015 by Jessica McMahon to create a safe and inclusive space for her two autistic children, Molly and Daniel and the team have grown from humble beginnings into a vibrant, volunteer run football club. The team now supports children and young people with additional needs, learning disabilities, Autism, Down syndrome and sensory processing difficulties.
This is supported by the Department for Communities and the Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme and made it possible for 15 young players and 6 volunteer coaches to attend. In the run up to the trip, the Warriors completed a 12-week skills and awareness programme “Wellness For Warriors” in partnership with local organisations such as Crisis Café, PIPS, and the PSNI. The bespoke initiative prepared the team for independent travel, covering key life skills like budgeting, airport safety, mindfulness, and social awareness. All designed to empower the players far beyond the football pitch.
This milestone has also been made possible through the incredible support of the Newry community. Through months of grassroots fundraising efforts including bake sales, collections and a buzzing community quiz night held in The Bank Newry the club successfully raised vital funds to ensure not only the players but also their parents could share in this transformative experience.
The Programme has its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy which reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society. £7.6M has been invested in the Newry area and associated five-year Good Relations Plan through Arbour and Radius’ shared housing developments.
Radius and Arbour Housing Associations will continue to work in partnership with local Advisory Group stakeholders and residents to develop and deliver the 5-year Good Relations Plan for the area. The Ardmore, Rockmount and Belfast Road Good Relations Plans will include ‘Bridging’ events which are delivered to the wider community to encourage a range of good relations outcomes which include health and wellbeing, education and training, and a celebration of diversity in arts and culture.
During the educational Liverpool visit the team will take part in:
• UEFA led coaching sessions
• A full tour of a Premier League stadium
• Attendance at a live Elite level football match
• Friendly competitive matches against other disability teams
This journey marks a first of its kind experience for a disability team from the Newry area and represents a monumental moment in the lives of these young athletes, creating not just sporting memories but lifelong friendships, skills and self-belief.
As the Warriors prepare to take flight, their story stands as a shining example of what grassroots football, community spirit, and inclusion can achieve and the lasting impact it can have on the lives of young people. Follow the Warriors’ adventure on the Well Lane Warriors FC Facebook page.
Niamh Havern (parent)
The funding by Radius Housing and Arbour Housing to Well Lane Warriors has given our children, including my son Adam a fantastic opportunity to experience a football trip with his friends. We are so grateful and thankful to the sponsors for providing this unique opportunity for all our children
Jessica McMahon (Chairperson)
The project is one of a kind and we are so grateful to our partners Radius Housing and Arbour outing for giving our players and their families an opportunity which otherwise would not be available.
The trip combined with our “Wellness for Warriors” programme aims to provide our young people with new skills and information, combining with local vendors will help to create a unique experience for them.
