Witney News - Step closer to kick off for West Oxfordshire’s first inclusive football team

Step closer to kick off for West Oxfordshire’s first inclusive football team

Training sessions are being opened to younger disabled people and those with special educational needs as a football club moves closer to setting up West Oxfordshire’s first inclusive team.

Inclusive football sessions have been launched for 8 to 16-year-olds as part of a project to get more disabled young people into the sport, following a successful pilot earlier this year for over-12s.

The sessions are running every Saturday, from 10-11am, at Carterton Artificial Turf Pitch led by qualified coaches from Witney’s Tower Hill Football Club, with support from West Oxfordshire District Council.

Coach Tracy Mathias, whose own teenage son has Asperger’s, said: “The pilot went really well and we had some regulars who were coming week in, week out and are keen to continue with it. What we’d like now is to get more young people involved so that we can set up a team for 7-a-side matches and enter the league.

“I now have another coach helping out, so we can take younger children. Getting involved in a sport is very beneficial for all young people and I believe everyone should have this opportunity, no matter what their ability.”

The club hopes to be successful in entering a team into the BOBI (Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Inclusive) Under-16s League.

Cllr Richard Langridge, the Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for leisure, said: “We have done a great deal in recent months to improve inclusiveness and create more opportunities for those with disabilities or special education needs, and are pleased to support this project. We look forward to seeing it grow and hope young people and their families will make the most of what is being offered by the club and coaches.”

The cost is £3 per session. To find out more or book, call Tracy on 07817 455686 or email [email protected]