New golf scheme launched to help disabled children

A pilot scheme to help more disabled children get into golf is set to be launched in two schools in Coventry.

The initiative will be fronted by one of Europe's top disabled golfers, Johnny Reay Jr, with students from Baginton Fields Academy and Corley Academy taking part.

Mr Reay Jr, the son of businessman and golf course owner John Reay Sr, has teamed up with the European Disability Golf Association and the Justin Rose Foundation to support the next generation of players.

"My dream is that one of the children I teach will go on to play in the disabled tour like myself," he said.

"To know that I have taught them to get into golf and start playing would be massive," he added.

The students will spend two weeks playing "soft golf" with plastic clubs and balls, before receiving free tuition at Stoneleigh Deer Park Golf Club for four weeks.

The scheme will culminate in a fun day on the course, with all of the children and their families from the two schools getting involved, Mr Reay Jr said.

"We want to get the parents and siblings involved too so they will then help the students to stay involved and develop."

"It's not like a normal sport, you're probably not going to get injured as much, the social side is massive - it's inclusive for everyone to play," he added.

He added that his involvement with the scheme marked a "really proud moment."

"It's been a whirlwind, I've gone from playing for England and hosting my own disabled tournament, to now giving back to the sport and the city that I live in."

The England international, who was born with a genetic defect, started the sport after his father designed a special glove which enabled him to grip the club.

Mr Reay Jr said the legacy of his father's work had continued to live on since his death in 2022.

He hoped this project would help him to leave a mark on the sport.

"I have always felt I want to leave my own legacy and to do it with the junior disabled, it would be a great honour for mine to be left in the Coventry area for delivering golf to children."

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