Getting in the zone for LD week football fun

As part of learning disabilities awareness week celebrations, our linked charity Creative Minds held its 10th annual football fun day at The Zone in Huddersfield on 19 June.

Over 100 service users, carers, coaches and staff united to take part in fun ball-related games, all adjusted to suit people’s individual needs.

They were joined by Trust chair Angela Monaghan, and Huddersfield Giants player Eorl Crabtree, who helped to welcome the players and hand out medals.

An exhibition of photography and artwork created by people with learning disabilities from Huddersfield-based creative company Shabang Inclusive Learning was also on display.

Alex Feather, Creative Minds development co-ordinator, said: “The whole event was great, it was a fantastic day. It’s a good day every year, but this was very special as it was our 10th event. As the World Cup is currently happening there was a great buzz. I added flags of the countries playing in the tournament to the name badges we hand out to players, and everyone loved choosing which flag they wanted to wear.

“It was a lovely atmosphere – Eorl Crabtree was very kind and welcoming and the exhibition from Shabang was brilliant. It showcased what we can achieve when we work together with our partners.”

The day follows the news that Creative Minds is to receive £3,000 from the Football Foundation’s Grow the Game programme to develop a 7 aside mental health football team in the Calderdale/Kirklees area. The funding will be used for coaching, training and transport for new teams of people with mental health conditions.

In an evaluation of the football fun day carried out using a smiley face rating, 100% of people said they enjoyed the day and would come back again.