Pan-disability football academy expands
AFC Telford United Foundation’s pan-disability academy is celebrating its first seven months of expansion by creating a new programme for Under-12s players.
The academy launched with just eight players in October last year, but over 40 players now regularly attend sessions at the SEAH Stadium in Wellington.
As a result, there will now be a new session for Under-12 players every Friday, in addition to the existing Under-16s and Over-16s programmes.
Players who attend get the opportunity to play football with qualified AFC Telford United coaches in a friendly and development-focussed environment.
All sessions are designed to ensure players enjoy developing their football and social skills, while making friends with like-minded people.
Stuart Fletcher, Head Coach of AFC Telford United Foundation’s pan-disability academy, wants even more players to enjoy the sessions.
He said: “Since we started, it has been fantastic to see so many people come to our weekly sessions and make friends while playing football.
“We give players of all ages an opportunity to enjoy football with no judgement or pressure. Every session is run with these aims as a priority.
“Our group has grown to over 40 players in such a small space of time that we are now creating a dedicated Under-12s programme, which is fantastic.
“Running alongside our regular groups, the new session will allow us to design exercises and activities that are purely for Under-12s players.”
Sessions run every Friday evening at AFC Telford United’s Goal Zone pitches, next to the SEAH Stadium in Wellington.
Under-12s and Under-16s sessions run from 5pm to 6pm, while the Over-18s session runs from 7pm to 8pm.
Plans are now in place to organise games against other pan-disability clubs in the region, including Shrewsbury Town, Wrexham and West Bromwich Albion.
Stuart added: “The key for our programme is that every single players arrives with a smile on their face and leaves with a smile on their face.
“If they do that, then we will have done our job. Football provides so many avenues for players to enjoy the game and form positive relationships.
“I am personally very proud to be part of AFC Telford United Foundation and AFC Telford United, and so are the players. They are part of the club.
“We even had the chance to hold a session on the pitch at the SEAH Stadium which was a fantastic experience for the players. They will never forget that!
“We’re excited to have new AFC Telford United kit on order and are in the process of organising games against other pan-disability clubs.”
“I can’t thank Ian Preece at AFC Telford United Foundation enough for helping me create a safe and welcoming space for pan-disability football.”
Players who want to attend sessions can simply turn up, or email foundation@afctu.co.uk for more information.
The cost is £4 per session, although the first session is free.
