News from Staffs FA

 

England excel at Powerchair Football World Cup

 

After 12 minutes, the USA broke through the England midfield and were left one on one against Stevenson. After a great initial save, the England goalkeeper was judged to have clipped the attacker. The referee pointed to the spot and awarded a very harsh penalty. Archer stepped up for the USA and made no mistake to put them in front. England were a little shaken after going behind and the USA capitalised to extend their advantage.

 

At half time, England changed to a more attacking side and went for broke. They pressed well, but just couldn’t find a goal to get back into the match. As time ran out, England were caught out by a great counter attack and USA sealed their victory to retain their title. The England team had a fantastic World Cup and despite the disappointment of the final result, the team are extremely proud of their achievements.

 

WFA England Team Head Coach, Allen Harrison said “I am extremely proud of what this team and the players have achieved. They have worked very hard over the last two years and this is a reward for all that effort. This is a great day for English Powerchair Football and reflects the standard of the sport back home.”

The WFA and England Team would like to thank the FA, Key Sports Management and Umbro for their support of the team. Without the sponsors and hard work of all the volunteers involved the team wouldn't have achieved so much.

The FA’s Head of Disability, Jeff Davis, commented: “It’s a fantastic achievement as we finished fifth at the tournament in 2007 so this set of players can be really pleased with their performance. We were undefeated in the group stage and even shocked title holders, USA, 1-0 to finish top which was outstanding.”

“It’s a shame we couldn’t replicate that result in the final but second is a great finish for us and gives the Powerchair game a real platform in this country going forward.” 

 

To find out more about local Powerchair Football, please contact Jamie Leaning at Staffordshire FA on 01785 256994 or Jamie.leaning@staffordshirefa.com

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 Leek Town FC look to develop inclusive opportunities

 

Leek Town FC, in co-operation with Staffordshire FA’s Disability Coach Jamie Leaning, have been working hard to establish a link with The Meadows School in Leek by organising and delivering curriculum time coaching with a view to forming a disability section to provide further opportunities within the Charter Standard clubs growing youth section.

 

It is hoped that the link up would create a local team to compete in the Staffordshire Ability Counts League which is a 100% specific disability league scheme and organising coaching sessions in school.

 

The young people attending the school come from a wide area, with many from Leek and the surrounding Moorlands area. The school is excellently equipped and caters for a wide range of young people, some with serious to moderate physical disability but many physically able but with various learning problems.        

 

The young people whom Jamie is currently coaching have a good sporting ability range, some with evident aptitude and skill but all with an enthusiasm and eagerness to develop their skills further. Together with staff members they visited Harrison Park on the afternoon of Monday 10th October and were shown around by members of the first team management and club directors. The visit ended with an informal discussion over refreshments in the social club during which the young people impressed with their knowledge of football.

 

Football Coaches needed

 

The club invites applications from coaches preferably with a minimum FA Level 1 coaching certificate or with coaching experience and a commitment to take the Level 1 course. We need coaches to develop our work with children and young people with disabilities. Please contact Dennis Bates, the junior section coordinator on 07770752203 or Email djamesb@uwclub.net

 

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Festive Football Fun with Staffs FA and Wyrley Juniors

 

Staffordshire FA and Wyrley Juniors FC, in partnership with Staffordshire County Council’s ‘Aiming High’, are to hold a football holiday course with a difference.

 

 

The course, which will be held at Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre, South Staffs from 10.00am – 12.00pm on Friday 23rd December will be looking to attract a whole host of children with differing impairments to learn new footballing skills along with furthering their social development. The holiday course will give the children the chance to experience one of the most popular sports in the world with the added bonus of potentially creating local exit routes through the National Charter Standard Community Club of 2011, Wyrley Juniors FC.

 

The day will provide football and lots of fun filled games looking to improve on basic techniques such as ball control, passing, dribbling and spatial awareness before moving onto a penalty shoot out before putting all the skills learnt previously to good practice in a small sided game.

 

There will be more of these courses delivered over future school holidays in a variety of venues so for more information or to be added to our database please contact:

Jamie Leaning 
Staffordshire FA 
T: 01785 256994, 07816536446 
E: jamie.leaning@staffordshirefa.com