Fleet Town FC launch youth Pan-Disability Football initiative
Fleet Town FC are pleased to announce that we will be offering Pan-Disability Football training sessions for 5-15 year olds on Thursday evenings in the sports hall at Calthorpe Park School, Fleet.
Location: Sports Hall @ Calthorpe Park School, Hitches Lane, Fleet GU51 5JA
Time: 6pm – 7pm
Start date: Thursday 1st February 2024
Cost: £3.50 (First 2 sessions are free)
Pan-disability football gives opportunities to anyone with any form of disability or special-education-need, to play football in a safe and fun environment.
Fleet Town FC FA qualified coaches will lead the sessions that will concentrate on fun, development, co-ordination, team-work and football skills.
If you or someone you know wants to get involved in our pan-disability football sessions or if you want to find out more information, please complete this simple online form or contact stars@fleettowncolts.com or call David Marlow on 07866 916078
Fleet Town FC Chairman Caroline Bone commented
“This is a fantastic opportunity to provide the community with such an important service. We are so pleased to partner with Calthorpe Park School as I have worked there for a number years. We’ve seen such an increase in the demand for supporting this initiative over the past few years so it’s great to finally be able to implement this”.
Rob Taylor, Chairman of the Fleet Town Colts section said
“Being an inclusive club means we are keen to ensure that Football is for everyone, and no one has to miss out.”
More about Pan-Disability Football from the FA.com
The pan-disability pathway allows players with a broad spectrum of impairments and health conditions to play together. The majority of recreational and competition-based opportunities in England play this format, making it the largest disability-specific football pathway.
Anyone who has a disability, impairment or long-term health condition (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) can take part in pan-disability football. However, blind players are directed into blind-specific settings, due to health and safety implications. Wheelchair users can be included in recreational formats, but it’s not advisable in competition settings. Instead, they should be encouraged to access competition in powerchair football formats.
There’s no formal classification system within pan-disability football. This is because, by its very nature, it allows players with a broad spectrum of impairments to play together. However, the game still needs to be fair, positive and enjoyable experience. So, when numbers permit, ability banding is used. This is mainly at competition level, with teams sorted into ‘premiership’, ‘championship’ and ‘league’ categories.
We also have sponsorship opportunities for those interested in helping develop this important initiative, please get in touch if you are interested by emailing commercial@fleettownfc.co.uk
