Ability Counts Football Team qualifies for final
Huddersfield Town’s Ability Counts Football Team (HTACFC) has received national recognition!
The HTACFC has qualified for the finals of the national Municipal Journal Awards in the Children’s Services category. The partnership project is funded by the Disabled Children’s Service and delivered by Huddersfield Town’s Football in the Community Coaches through Huddersfield Community Trust.
Town’s Disabled Children’s Services Inclusion Team found that while many disabled youngsters in Kirklees wanted to play football, they were unable to join their local team due to the competitive nature. As a result, the team very successfully brought together the different people to make this scheme work. The partnership between those working with children with disabilities has strengthened as a direct result.
The programme delivers football skills to young people with additional needs, their siblings and friends; making football a sport for everyone to enjoy. Training sessions take place at The Zone in a safe, nurturing and non-competitive environment where children with a disability can improve their health and well-being, develop their physical and social skills, grow in confidence and thrive and achieve together.
The family-friendly facilities enable parents to bring along and entertain siblings whilst training takes place, removing the barrier which may prevent some families taking part.
htafc.com spoke with Anthony, father of Archie who takes part in the programme: “As a family we love our Sunday’s down at the Zone. It has always been a challenge to find sporting activities for Archie to be a part of. Now that Archie is a part of the Huddersfield Town Ability Counts programme he really looks forward to his Sunday sessions with his brother Finn in tow; this allows Archie to exercise and play a sport he loves as well as make new friends with his team mates.
“Archie’s confidence in his own abilities has grown due to being a part of the club and has proved to be a great experience for him and all the others that participate.”
There are six other finalists in the Children’s Service category including Buckinhamshire CC, Oxford CC, Chesire West and Chester Council. The overall winner will be announced in London, on the eve of Thursday 19 June.
For further information, please contact: James Doyle (Disability Football Development Officer) on 07540 127 683; james.doyle@wrcfa.com or click HERE
