A team set up to offer soccer to disabled kids in Huddersfield is celebrating.
Just a year after its launch, the Huddersfield Town Ability Counts Football Club has been announced as a finalist for the national Municipal Journal Awards in the Children’s Services category.
The partnership project is funded by Kirklees Council’s Disabled Children’s Service and delivered by Huddersfield Town’s Football in the Community coaches.
The programme teaches football skills to young people with additional needs, their siblings and friends, making football a sport for everyone to enjoy. Training sessions take place at The Zone, where children with a disability can improve their health and well-being, develop their physical and social skills, grow in confidence, thrive and achieve together.
The club membership ethos provides a real sense of belonging. Huddersfield Town provide club kit and players and staff regularly take time out to support, encourage and inspire the children. Professional, specialist coaches focus on developing the young person’s own football skills rather than focussing on the team game.
Clr Peter O’Neill, Joint Cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “Our Disabled Children’s Services Inclusion Team found that while many disabled youngsters in Kirklees wanted to play football, they were unable to join their local team due to the competitive nature of these teams.
“Once this gap had been identified the team very successfully brought together the different people to make this scheme work. The partnership between those working with children with disabilities has strengthened as a direct result.
“Children can play football and can proudly say that they represent their local professional team, which is truly inspirational.
I am very proud of the programme and all the staff involved in making it the success it is. Qualifying as a finalist in the MJ Awards is excellent recognition for a fantastic club.”
Antony, whose son Archie plays for the club, said: “As a family we love our Sunday’s down at the Zone. It has always been a challenge to find sporting activities for Archie to be a part of.
“Now that Archie is a part of the Huddersfield Town ability counts programme he really looks forward to his Sunday sessions with his brother Finn in tow. It allows Archie to exercise and play a sport he loves as well as make new friends with his team mates”.
Huddersfield Town Club Ambassador Andy Booth said: “Town are delighted with the partnership between ourselves, Kirklees Council’s Disabled Children’s Service and the Huddersfield Community Trust. We hope that the programme will continue to grow with support from the partners and those involved in its delivery.”
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