A WELL-KNOWN football foundation in York is launching an initiative for young people and adults with disabilities and additional needs.
York City Football Club Foundation say its new disability section will offer a range of inclusive opportunities for juniors and adults, from recreational to competitive, forming a player pathway leading to the North East and Yorkshire Cerebral Palsy Football Team.
Paula Stainton, YCFC Foundation manager, said: “We’re passionate about promoting inclusivity in sport – we want to see everyone in our community get the same opportunities to play football.
"We’re incredibly proud to be launching our new disability section. We’re committed to creating a safe, positive and supportive environment where both juniors and adults can enjoy the game and develop their talent.”
There will also be adult pan disability football weekly training for players age 16+ with disabilities and additional needs and competing in the Ability Counts League.
And a North East and Yorkshire Cerebral Palsy Football Team for players 16+ with cerebral palsy, stroke and acquired brain injuries and competing with regular fixtures in the National Cerebral Palsy Football League and the Disability FA Cup.
With training for the new season having just begun, the foundation marked the start of the new association with an introduction night at the LNER Community Stadium to meet players and families on August 29.
Paula said: “Joe McKechnie, disability lead and cerebral palsy team m anager, has been one of the few coaches focusing on disability football in our area for many years. We’re delighted to be able to work with him to be able to develop it going forward so that we can add more value to those already engaging, and to be able to increase the offer.”
Joe said: “We are so very grateful to all the York City Football Club Foundation staff for their support to help us establish this opportunity within the Foundation’s varied programme of activities.
“Everyone within the disability section and teams is really looking forward to the new season ahead - and there is a real buzz around the team, which has been created due to the foundation’s involvement.”
To be involved email: inclusion@yorkcityfcfoundation.co.uk
The first National Cerebral Palsy Football League match of the new season will take place at York Sport Village 3G pitches on Saturday, September 21. NEYCP will play two matches to start off the season, including CP North West & Burton from 10.30am to 1.30pm.
The matches will be free for fans to attend. Follow York City Football Club Foundation on social media for the latest updates.
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