York City Football Club Foundation is launching an exciting initiative for young people and adults with disabilities and additional needs.
The Foundation’s new Disability section will offer a range of inclusive opportunities for juniors and adults, from recreational to competitive, forming a player pathway leading to the North East and Yorkshire Cerebral Palsy Football Team.
Paula Stainton, YCFC Foundation manager, said: “We’re passionate about promoting inclusivity in sport – we want to see everyone in our community get the same opportunities to play football. We’re incredibly proud to be launching our new Disability section. We’re committed to creating a safe, positive and supportive environment where both juniors and adults can enjoy the game and develop their talent.”
The new section will include:
- Junior pan disability football weekly training and competing in the Ability Counts League for players Under 12 or 13-16 with disabilities and additional needs
- Adult pan disability football weekly training for players age 16+ with disabilities and additional needs and competing in the Ability Counts League
- North East and Yorkshire Cerebral Palsy Football Teamfor players 16+ with cerebral palsy, stroke and acquired brain injuries and competing with regular fixtures in the National Cerebral Palsy Football League and the Disability FA Cup
With training for the new season having just begun, the Foundation marked the start of the new association with an introduction night at the LNER Community Stadium to meet players and families on 29th August.
Paula added: “It was great to welcome more people to our football family and get to know some of them – and meet some we already knew – and to have the chance to show them around the home of York City FC. The Foundation is all about creating pride in our city and growing our involvement in the wider York community – and we’re really excited to see where this next chapter will lead us.
“Joe McKechnie has been one of the few coaches focusing on disability football in our area for many years. We’re delighted to be able to work with him to be able to develop it going forward so that we can add more value to those already engaging, and to be able to increase the offer.”
Joe McKechnie, Disability Lead and Cerebral Palsy Team Manager, added: “We are extremely excited to be working with the Foundation.
“This partnership offers us a brilliant platform to promote the inclusive opportunities that we offer as a club while allowing our players from our junior and adult disability teams to feel valued and supported, and be a part of a thriving community foundation.
“We are so very grateful to all the York City Football Club foundation staff for their support to help us establish this opportunity within the Foundation’s varied programme of activities.
“Everyone within the Disability section/ teams is really looking forward to the new season ahead – and there is a real buzz around the team, which has been created due to the Foundation’s involvement.”
- To be involved in part of this growing inclusive community as a player, get in touch with your/your child’s information
- To raise the profile of your brand and support Disability Football, you can sponsor a CP Team player for this season for £150
For either of the above, email: [email protected]
Or to arrange a call or meeting to discuss further opportunities for your business, email [email protected] or call 01904 559508.
The first National Cerebral Palsy Football League match of the new season will take place at York Sport Village 3G pitches on Saturday, 21st September. NEYCP will play two matches to start off the season, including CP North West & Burton from 10.30am to 1.30pm.
The matches will be free for fans to attend. Follow York City Football Club Foundation on social media for the latest updates.