Swindon Town Football in the Community Trust delivered a EURO 2008 Football Festival at Larkrise Special School, Trowbridge, with the support of the Wiltshire FA Disability Strategy. Over 90 budding footballers took part in the event.
Although England did not make it to this year’s tournament it did not prevent over 90 young footballers from having a superb day when they took part in their very own version; the Larkrise EURO 2008 Football Festival. The festival which was delivered by Swindon Town Football in the Community Trust, with the support of the Wiltshire FA Disability Strategy, took place on Wednesday 25th June 2008 at Larkrise Special School.
The event saw over 90 young people with physical and learning disabilities participate, predominantly from Larkrise School but other local mainstream SEN units also attended. The day witnessed all of the players put through their paces by the Football in the Community Trust coaches on a series of fun based football events. The morning session was split into 3 session and involved a ‘Gladiators’ style session, which used a variety of football and team-work skills to gain points. The other 2 sessions delivered were a all skills session and a shooting drill.
The afternoon session was where the real EURO 2008 fever came to Trowbridge with 9 teams playing in small-sided games. All of the teams gave their all and played every game as if it was the EURO 2008 Final. At the end of the day the players each went away with a medal and some other STFC goodies.
Adam Greaney, Disability Officer, commented:
“It was an absolutely fantastic day and all of the children can be very proud of themselves. Everyone worked extremely hard with first class effort and commitment, but most importantly all of the players had a smile on their faces and had lots of fun.
I must thank all of the coaches and Rachael Bown, of Larkrise School, for their hard work and efforts and helping make this Festival such a success. Hopefully in the next few years Wiltshire will not only see more of these taster festivals but also a Special Schools Football League”.
The Wiltshire FA Disability Strategy and Football in the Community are constantly delivering disability football sessions across the County for all ages. If you would like more information on this festival or other disability football sessions then please contact Adam Greaney on (01793) 421303.