Over 50 players with learning and physical disabilities played in the festival which was keenly fought out by 6 teams. The teams were Open Door, Upham Road, Jubilee Gardens, One Step Ahead and 2 teams from Salisbury Tigers, who were all supported by the resource centre users and staff.
The matches were eagerly contested, initially in 2 group stages with the winners and runner-ups contesting the final, and 3rd - 4th play-off respectively. The 3rd – 4th play-off saw Salisbury Tigers A run out winners over One Step Ahead, whilst the Final was a tight affair with Salisbury B and Open Door competing for the title. Open Door, last year’s winners, took an early lead and went into the half time break with a one goal cushion. Salisbury Tigers B then made some tactical changes during the interval and scored two quick goals early in the second half. Salisbury Tigers B held on to the advantage and narrowly won the 2007 title. Although the game was very tight and competitive it was played in a great spirit and was a superb way to finish off the day.
Adam Greaney, Swindon Town Football in the Community Disability Officer, commented:
“It’s great to see so many players and spectators come down and support the day. Also for me it is fantastic that Dave Wilcox has brought up his Salisbury Tigers team which has shown the players in Swindon that, with commitment and local support, we too can have a disability football team in Swindon.
I must also give a lot of credit to Jason Benham and Mark Pratt of Open Door who have put so much of their time and effort into this festival and without them it would not have been the huge success that is has been.”
Swindon Town Football in the Community are running free football sessions for adults with learning and physical disabilities on Friday mornings at Croft Sports Centre from 10.00-11.00am. If you would like any further information on these sessions or disability football in Wiltshire then please contact Adam Greaney on 421303.