Local people with learning disabilities celebrate the Olympic year with a special football fun day!

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Local people in Kirklees with learning disabilities took part in a special football fun day at the Zone in Huddersfield on Tuesday 18th September.

The special event, which was organised by staff at the Trust, in partnership with James Doyle from the West Riding County Football Association, was enjoyed by over 80people including service users, their carers and staff.

Special guests at the event in September included Huddersfield town legend Andy Booth and Steve Greatorex, who was nominated to run in the Paralympic torch relay for his achievements and commitment to promoting disability and sport in the local area.

The team at the football fun day
The team at the football fun day

The football fun days are held four times a year and those who attend have the opportunity to get involved with lots of football related activities including 5-a-side matches, penalty shoot outs and coaching sessions.

All the activities organised for the fun days are football based and adjusted to meet individual needs. They are also tailored to be inclusive for players with moderate to severe leaning difficulties and the football coaches who run the sessions can adapt activities throughout the day as required depending on people’s needs

Andy Booth said, “It’s great to see so many people who aren’t usually involved in football get the chance to play. The disability programme here at Huddersfield Town has really grown recently and we are looking forward to working with more players this season”.

Nigel McLoughlin, clinical services manager for learning disabilities at the Trust said, “We know that physical activity and social inclusion all make a big difference to wellbeing and this event is a great opportunity for local people to get involved.

“We want people with a learning disability who use our services to be able to try something new to enhance their wellbeing and sport is a great way to bring people together and build a sense of community.”

To find out more about the football fun day and future dates planned, contact the Trust’s inclusion team on 01924328656 or email inclusion@swyt.nhs.uk

 

Local people with learning disabilities celebrate the Olympic year with a special football fun day!

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