Festive celebrations at football fun day

Local people with learning disabilities took part in the final football fun day of the year on Monday 12th December at the Zone in Huddersfield.

The day was organised by staff from South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which provides specialist NHS learning disability services to people in Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield.

Taking part in social activities such as football can have a positive impact on a person’s wellbeing as it introduces them to new experiences and people and gives them the opportunity to boost their confidence, as well as improve their physical fitness.

During the football fun day, people got involved with lots of football related activities including 5-a-side matches, penalty shoot outs and coaching sessions. There was also a special effort made to include a festive theme to the event, with staff donning Santa hats and hosting a seasonal quiz for everyone to get involved with.

The football fun day was organised by the Trust’s inclusion team, in partnership with James Doyle, the Disability Football Development Officer for West Riding.

Aboobhana Baker, inclusion team manager said, “Events like this are an excellent opportunity for local people with learning disabilities to get involved, not only in their local communities but also in sport. Everyone who attended seemed to thoroughly enjoy the day and it was really good to see people who regularly attend different support groups, come together in one place and enjoy the activities.

"I am already looking forward to next year’s series of football fun days."

To find out more about the football fun day and other events organised by the Trust contact the inclusion team on 01924 328656 or email inclusion@swyt.nhs.uk.