Rewriting What “Ability” Means: SP Energy Networks and Wrexham AFC Inclusion Event
As the Official Headline Community Partner of Wrexham AFC, SP Energy Networks is committed to strengthening communities, championing inclusion and removing barriers to participation — both in football and beyond. Central to this partnership is our sponsorship of the Wrexham AFC Powerchair Team, supporting accessible sport and the next generation of local talent.
On Friday 24 April, SP Energy Networks and Wrexham AFC came together at the Stok Cae Ras for a collaborative, inclusion‑focused event designed to challenge perceptions and strengthen understanding of disability, capability and care.
An Event Built Around Real Experience
The aim of the day was to:
- Humanise disability and ability
- Strengthen SP Energy Networks’ approach to inclusion
- Increase understanding of carers and vulnerable customers
- Create space for open, honest dialogue
The event brought together SP Energy Networks colleagues, members of the Wrexham AFC Powerchair Team, parents and carers, and representatives from the Wrexham AFC Foundation. With lived experience at the heart of every discussion, the day prioritised learning, listening and meaningful conversation.
Insightful Sessions and Powerful Stories
Through panel discussions, round‑table sessions and keynote contributions, attendees explored ability and capability in both work and sport.
Key sessions included:
Ability Awareness
Exploring disability in the workplace and the experiences of customers.
Capability in Action
A panel discussion with players from the Wrexham AFC Powerchair Football Team, sharing first‑hand insight into high‑performance sport and daily life.
Carers & Customers – The Unseen Reality
Parents and carers spoke openly about the challenges, resilience and support structures behind the scenes.
Insight to Action
Mixed‑table challenge sessions focused on turning learning into practical outcomes for SP Energy Networks.
Guest Speaker: Keryn Seal
Blind footballer and Paralympian Keryn Seal delivered an inspiring keynote on overcoming barriers and redefining possibility.
Powered by Colleague Networks
Two ScottishPower colleague networks played a key role throughout the day:
SPARC (ScottishPower Are Recognising Capabilities)
Supporting colleagues who identify as disabled, are neurodivergent, or live with long‑term health conditions.
SPACE (Supporting Parent And Carer Experiences)
Providing guidance and advocacy for colleagues who are parents or carers.
Both networks helped shape discussion, bring lived experience into the room, and deepen understanding across the group.
Inclusion in Action
The day concluded with an interactive introduction to Powerchair Football, with the Wrexham AFC team showing SP Energy Networks colleagues how the specialist chairs are controlled and how the game is played.
It was a tangible reminder that inclusion is not just a policy — it’s something that is learned, experienced and strengthened through action.
By working in partnership with Wrexham AFC, SP Energy Networks continues to invest in initiatives that create opportunity, build understanding and ensure everyone can participate fully — in sport, in work and in their communities.
Events like this play a vital role in rewriting what “ability” really means.