North East disabled stars in a league of their own

Feb 9 2010 by Kerry Wood, The Journal

With 15 players, all boys, aged eight to 16 the Ferryhill team travels across the North playing against teams from places such as Bradford in the football festivals. And the talent within the County Durham side hasn’t gone unnoticed with selectors asking autistic players Daniel Woodgate, 13, and Edward Stone to join the county team at Durham FA’s regional centre of excellence.

Claire added: “For us we have seen the kids come on socially 100%. They are playing as team and talking to each other.

“They have really improved and their social interaction is just great.

“They have made very good friends, which is sometimes difficult for some of the lads to do. Through sport they have been provided with a good foundation for the future.”

Claire is currently hoping to recruit as many youth disability teams as possible to join and play fixtures in the new league.

On February 14 from 11am till 2pm there will be a football festival for children with disabilities at Soccarena on the Belmont Industrial Estate in Durham. Claire added: “The festival is open to girls and boys aged from eight to 16 with any disability.

“They can just turn up, we’ll put them in a team and they’re guaranteed a game.

“Once the league is up and running we are hoping to join up with an adult disability league so the players have somewhere to progress to.”

Ian Skinner, football development officer at Durham FA, said: “The league is great news children with disabilities.

“At the minute it is in its infancy and I know Ferryhill are working to promote it.”

For more information about joining the league contact Claire on 07852 574733.