Kent SEND Schools Unite

Kent SEND Schools Unite for an Inspirational Football Tournament at Gallagher Stadium.

On Monday 2nd March 2026, five Kent SEND schools came together for a truly inspiring day of football, friendship and inclusion. The event — organised by Stones In The Community and Five Acre Wood School, in partnership with the Martin and Gillian Kennedy Foundation — celebrated the power of sport to bring young people together.

Held at Maidstone United’s Gallagher Stadium, the tournament offered students the unforgettable experience of playing in a professional football environment. From the first whistle to the final kick, every participant showcased outstanding enthusiasm, teamwork and sportsmanship.

The day wouldn’t have been possible without the generous sponsorship of the Martin and Gillian Kennedy Foundation, whose support ensured that students from all participating schools could enjoy this opportunity to shine. A huge thank you goes to them for championing inclusive sport across our community.

We would also like to extend our thanks to Stones In The Community, Maidstone United’s official charity, for helping organise and support the event from start to finish. This tournament was a brilliant example of what can be achieved through collaboration, passion and a shared commitment to young people.

A special mention must also go to the Maidstone United Academy students, who volunteered as referees and pitch‑side supporters. Their encouragement, fairness and positivity helped make the atmosphere truly memorable.

Above all, the tournament celebrated what matters most: inclusion in sport. It created a safe, joyful and empowering space where every young person could take part, build confidence and show their talents.

Congratulations to all the schools and students who took part — you made it a day to remember!

Are you passionate about helping your community?​

We are always looking for volunteers to help us make our vision a reality. People who volunteer often report better physical health than nonvolunteers and research has also shown that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety.
We’ll help you find a way to volunteer that best suits you and would be excited to have you join our team.