Ability Counts Awareness Programme

Staffordshire Football Association and Stoke City FC held their annual Ability Counts Awareness Campaign from Monday 16^th March through to Wednesday 25^th March 2009 at the Britannia Stadium.

Over 100 children with disabilities and impairments from Special Schools in the County attended and supported the campaign.

Each school were invited to receive a free coaching session each from Staffordshire FA’s Disability Football Coach in the Stoke City Academy Dome and then were given an access all areas tour of The Britannia Stadium including the managerial football lounge, home team dressing room, pitch side, Jimmy Greenhoff Suite which hosts the trophy cabinet with the tour coming to an end in the Stanley Matthews Lounge, a suite dedicated to the Stoke City and England legend.  

Lindsay Leighton, Disability Liaison Officer at Stoke City said: “The students that have attended have really enjoyed themselves. Each student was encouraged to participate fully in the day and hopefully we are promoting Disability Football to the next generation of Ability Counts League players.”

On the 19^th March the County hosted its 1^st ever Powerchair / Wheelchair football taster session in conjunction with Able 2 United from Burton, a club that play in the Staffordshire Ability Counts League. The session helped gauge the level of interest but also offered players the opportunity to improve their technique as well as picking up new skills in a fun filled environment.

The campaign is held annually to raise awareness and to promote disability football as well as offering the people a chance to experience a football environment at close hand, with some of the schools being lucky enough to meet 1^st team players during their tours.

The week’s main event was the Barclays Premier League fixture between Stoke City and Middlesbrough. On the Scoreboard before the game the crowd were treated to Aynsley School using BSL to sign the words to the famous terrace anthem ‘Delilah’ before being presented with their winner’s trophies from the Staffordshire FA’s Special Schools Tournament. The presentation was made by England Blind footballer and GB Paralympian Lee Greatbatch. Lee was the campaigns guest of honour and both Stoke City FC and Staffordshire FA are very grateful for his involvement and support towards the campaign. Half time of the day’s main event saw Stoke City Ability Counts FC entertain Middlesbrough Soccability FC in a well contested exhibition match that ended 1-1.

Jamie Leaning, Staffordshire FA’s Disability Coach said “The campaign is devoted to giving people an insight into disability football opportunities within the county and also what Stoke City as a club can offer.

Many students with disabilities are sceptical about getting into sport for a variety of reasons. Some may be in classes or in a mainstream school that is not able to offer support for their personal needs so may miss out so this event is perfect to highlight the available opportunities.”

If you would like any more information about getting involved in disabled football, please contact Jamie Leaning on 01785 256994, 07800619884 or email jamie.leaning@staffordshirefa.com