What does inclusion look like in action? It’s children playing side by side with no barriers, no labels—just joy, connection, and shared experiences. That’s the vision driving Mona Tadayyon and her team at Reach Behavior and Development Center, and it was brought to life during their recent Autism-Friendly Football Match held at Kick-Off, in partnership with Tekkers Football Academy.
The event, part of Reach’s ongoing mission to promote inclusion for children with special needs, was thoughtfully designed to offer a welcoming and supportive environment for children on the autism spectrum. Held during Autism Awareness Month, the afternoon saw families, volunteers, and community partners come together to champion inclusive play through football.
Recognising that traditional sports environments can sometimes feel overwhelming for neurodiverse children, Reach and Tekkers took a different approach. The match featured adaptive drills, sensory-friendly accommodations, and plenty of encouragement. Every child was given the chance to engage at their own pace and comfort level, with no pressure—just the freedom to participate and enjoy.
Adding to the spirit of the day, Mövenpick Bahrain contributed football giveaways, ensuring the fun continued even after the final whistle.
“You could see it in their smiles—today, they weren’t kids with differences; they were just kids playing football, making memories, and feeling free,” said Mona Tadayyon, Founder and CEO of Reach. “That’s the kind of world we’re working to create every single day.”
The success of the event highlights what’s possible when community, compassion, and thoughtful planning come together. It’s a reminder that inclusion isn’t just a concept—it’s something we can build, play-by-play.
