Kix Start is a not-for-profit football club based in Dorchester, Dorset, serving the town and surrounding villages. Established by Shaun and Sharon Hearn in July 2014, Kix Start aims to give back to the local community by providing opportunities for individuals of all ages with disabilities and learning difficulties, including vulnerable adults, to benefit from active participation in football and related training activities.
The primary objectives of Kix Start are to encourage people of all ages and abilities to undertake sporting activity, adopt a healthier lifestyle, and foster teamwork. These objectives are achieved through weekly organised training sessions run by FA-qualified coaches. Kix Start also supports the entry of at least six teams in the Dorset Ability Counts League and Dorset Positive Mental Attitude League (PMA), with the teams operating under the banner of Dorchester Town Football Club. Currently, there are six male adult teams, two under 16s teams, and two under 12s teams.
Kix Start aims to provide these opportunities on a free-of-charge basis to participants in the long term. Currently, the club has over 100 active members participating in Inclusion Football and Walking Football on a weekly basis. Training sessions take place at various locations and times. On Mondays, the sessions are held at Dorchester Town FC Stadium, with U16s Ability Counts Football training from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Adults Ability Counts Football training from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, and Over 50s Walking Football from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
On Thursdays, sessions are held at 1610 Dorchester Sports Centre, with Over 50s Walking Football from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Participants are urged to check the club's Facebook page for updates on the sessions, especially during adverse weather conditions or school holidays.
In addition to their regular training sessions, Kix Start works in partnership with local schools, organisations, clubs, and groups to provide a high-quality and safe environment for sporting activity. The club collaborates with Westfield School in Weymouth, where coaches from Kix Start and Dorchester Town FC attend classes to assist and encourage reading for students with learning difficulties.
Kix Start's ultimate goal is to give every local person, regardless of age or ability, the opportunity and confidence to participate in activities outside their current lifestyle. The club aims to offer activities that individuals may not normally have the chance to pursue.
For those interested in supporting Kix Start's cause, getting involved, or seeking more information, the club encourages filling out a contact form. The team at Kix Start extends their gratitude for the kind support received.