The Edge might be getting a new (temporary) lease of life, but what’s next? 

Club users all agree they do not want to get back into The Edge for 12 months, only to get booted out again. The solution? Rachel Morris, MBE, and double Paralympic gold winner. 

Rachel wants to transform The Edge into a Centre for Disabled Excellence. 

“The aim would be to create a centre that is ultimately inclusive for everyone,” said Rachel. “So many disabled children are unable to take part in any sport and they feel isolated from their peers – and that just isn’t fair. Having a purpose-built facility will change that.” 

The Edge already has some crucial disabled access, including a wheelchair track and wide doors and corridors. 

The first step to making it a Centre for Disabled Excellence would be to make it a purpose-built facility. This would include making vital renovations and building changing facilities with built-in hoists. 

But the most important change would come with the clubs. To truly be inclusive, each club would need to offer a disabled team for their sport. Then be able to offer a transition from the disabled team to the mainstream team.

“I understand that the clubs will be scared of this,” said Rachel. “It is scary, and without proper training it won’t be possible.”

Rachel is a part of  F6IT, a project that helps children and young people with disabilities and additional needs participate and enjoy sport activities alongside their families and friends. F6IT was operating out of The Edge and its closure almost financially crippled them. 

Rachel explained: “F6IT can provide the clubs with the training and support they need to make it truly inclusive.

“If The Edge becomes a Centre for Disabled Excellence it will be eligible for many grants which will help ensure it stays open. But we need to start this work now, together.”