Salisbury City Tigers organised and delivered a football festival for adults with Learning Disabilities with help and support from the Wiltshire FA Disability Strategy. 5 teams from Wiltshire entered the festival on Sunday 15th June 2008 with over 30 players participating.
Sunday 15th June 2008 witnessed over 30 adult footballers participate in a Football Festival for players with learning disabilities. The festival, which was hosted by the Tigers, with support from the Wiltshire FA Disability Strategy and The Salisbury Sports Development Team, took part at 5-Rivers Leisure Centre.
5 teams entered the festival and all contributed to some exciting matches throughout the day. The level of play, commitment and sportsmanship was fantastic.
The festival was played in a league style format in the morning with the top 4 teams playing off in the semi-finals. The semi finals were contested by Tigers White against Swindon Leopards B and Tigers Green verses Swindon Champions. The semi finals were keenly contested with both Salisbury teams narrowly beating their counterparts to set up an all Salisbury Tigers Final. The final was an excellent game and eventually saw Tiger Whites run out winners 7-3 and lifting the trophy.
John Page, one of Salisbury City Tigers team managers, who was heavily involved in the organisation of the event said:
“The day was a great success, the weather was kind to us. With five teams taking part there was a lot of exciting football to see. Congratulations are due to all those who took part for their sportsmanship and determination on the day. This was the first and certainly not the last Salisbury Ability Counts Football Festival”.
Adam Greaney, Wiltshire FA Disability Officer, commented:
“Salisbury City Tigers have put a lot of effort into hosting this festival alongside the disability strategy and Salisbury Sports Development Team. It’s fantastic to see so many players participating in disability football in Wiltshire.
Over the past few years the opportunities for players with disabilities have greatly improved through implementing the strategy and this festival highlights that. It’s great that there are now 5 teams in Wiltshire who are in the position to play in these friendlies and the plan is to have at least 4 Wiltshire teams playing in the South West Ability Counts League next season”.
If you would like any further information about Football for adults with learning disabilities, or any disability within football then please call Adam Greaney on (01793) 421303.