Hayden Santus-Woodcock, a determined and talented young footballer, has been making remarkable strides on and off the pitch as part of Rotherham United’s Under-12s SEND Ability Counts team. This program, designed to create an inclusive and supportive environment for players with disabilities, has helped Hayden develop not only her football skills but also her confidence. Training weekly on Saturday mornings and competing in 5-a-side tournaments in the SYCAL League on the first Sunday of each month, Hayden’s journey highlights the power of inclusive sport.
Hayden first learned about the Ability Counts sessions through her brother, who was already involved in the program. Reflecting on how she got started, she shared, “My brother first started coming, and I got a bit more interested in joining. After a while, I started training and ended up playing matches after a few months”. Hayden also saw it as an opportunity to spend quality time with her brother while engaging in a sport she had tried at school. Her initial curiosity, rooted in a desire to spend time with her sibling, blossomed into a newfound love for football.
For Hayden, the non-judgmental atmosphere of Ability Counts has been a game-changer. “I think the best bit is that no one really judges you, and you don’t have to worry if you mess things up” she shared. This supportive environment allowed Hayden to focus on learning and growing without fear of failure, building her confidence with every session.
With each session, Hayden grew stronger and more well-rounded. “I’m a defender” she said proudly, “but now I’m also scoring more goals.” The encouragement and tailored coaching she received in Ability Counts gave her the tools to refine her technical skills while nurturing her self-belief. Each new challenge she tackled made her braver.
The growth didn’t stop there, the foundation laid by Ability Counts paved the way for Hayden to join Wickersley FC, a mainstream football team. Reflecting on the transition, she said despite her disability, “It felt nice. People recognised that I could actually do football, and it felt really welcoming.” Now training weekly and participating in tournaments, Hayden has embraced the faster pace and competitive nature of her new team. While the full-size pitches and more competitive matches at Wickersley present a new challenge, the skills she developed in Ability Counts have prepared her for success.
Looking back, Hayden knows how much Ability Counts shaped her. “If I didn’t join Ability Counts, I don’t think I’d be playing football really” she reflected. The program’s adaptable approach, focusing on fun first and foremost gave her the freedom to explore her potential without pressure.
Her advice to other young people with disabilities is clear: “If you want to do sports but don’t know where to go, you should definitely join Ability Counts. It’s really easy to start off, and you can progress at your own pace. You have time to practice and work on what you need.” Hayden’s experience highlights the importance of inclusivity in sport and the opportunities it provides.
Ben Bagshaw, one of Hayden’s coaches, celebrates her achievements. “She’s done fantastic with Ability Counts, especially coming from not playing football ever to doing as well as she has. All the coaches at Rotherham are really proud of what she’s done and getting into Wickersley.”
Hayden Santus-Woodcock’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of inclusive sport. Ability Counts didn’t just teach her how to play football—it gave her the confidence to believe in her abilities. With the space to thrive, she moved from a nurturing, inclusive program into mainstream football, showing that when young people with disabilities are given the right environment, their potential knows no bounds.
