Charnwood Inclusive Football Partnership, is driving forward the provision of ‘Football for All’ in the Charnwood Area of Leicestershire. Football coaching sessions for males and females from 8 years of age up to adults,who have special needs or a disability are invited to attend the football, fun sessions.
The Football sessions will commence next Monday 8th Febraury and run weekly from 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm in the Sportshall at Burleigh College. The football sessions will eventually develop into teams playing in the County Inclusive Football League, providing regular playing opportunties against other Inclusive teams around the County.
The Charnwood Inclusive Football Partnership is based at Burleigh Community College, in Loughborough and the Inclusive Football provision is being driven forward by School Sports Co-ordinators, John Heathcote and Paula Smith who are both very keen to provide opportunities for all ‘budding footballers’ to take part in regular training sessions and to play football in the County Inclusive Football League. Inclusvie Football festivals are held regularly throughout the academic year, with games being played in a fun, friendly, respectful, yet competitive atmosphere.
The football sessions are being delivered by Mark Beeby and Wayne Gudgeon, who are both experienced coaches within the Inclusive Sports Spectrum and work with many local special needs and disability groups delivering a variety of sports, encouraging opportunity, particpation and becoming a valued member of a team within a Club.
The Inclusive Football Partnership will link players in to local grassrooots, FA Charter Standard Football Clubs, who are developing Inclusive teams as part of their development plans, these Clubs will ensure coaching staff have the necessary qualifications and experience to provide football opportunties in safe, fun and friendly environments. Loughborough Dynamo Juniors and Loughborugh Foxes Girls and Ladies FC are both on board with the development within the Charnwwod area, with Castle Donington Juniors also looking to develop opportunties. Coaching staff will work with local schools, colleges and groups to identify players and provide a very beneficial opportunity for all those footballers that would love to become involved in football.
The Football Association is keen to provide opportunities for ‘All’ players to participate in football, have great fun, learn new skills and ensure a positive experience is gained from taking part in a team sport, which can really help both the development of technical and social skills within all youngsters that take part in the game of football.
Around the City and County of Leicestershire and Rutland there is a network of Football Association Charter Standard Clubs who already provide opportunities for male, female, youngsters or adult players who have a range of special needs or disabilities. Regular competitions are held between the local Clubs throughout the season and a positive experience is always high priority for all those players involved.
If you know of any young person who would love to become involved in Inclusive Football and you would like further information regarding Charnwood Inclusive Football Club, please contact John Heathcote - 01509 554456 or Paula Smith on 07743015377.