Disability

Stockport Disability Social League Launches

In partnership with Stockport County Community Trust we launched the inaugural Stockport Disability Social League

On Thursday 23rd May, 2019 Cheshire FA in partnership with Stockport County Community Trust launched the inaugural Stockport Disability Social League at the Seashell Trust.  The Seashell Trust is an inclusive sports venue and has recently built a new 3G pitch with the support of the Football Foundation.

Players were put through their paces by Adrian Bates, Stockport County’s Disability Football Development Officer and engaged in a warm up, passing practice and a match at the end.   

The players are all adults with learning disabilities who attend Day Centres in Stockport and surrounding areas.   According to Sport England, disabled people are less than half as likely to take part in sport than non-disabled people and this football initiative is helping to tackle the issue by providing local football opportunities. 

The session is part of the County FA’s disability strategy and is replicating other sessions which happen once a month in Sandbach and Chester.  The Cheshire Disability Social League is the biggest disability club in Cheshire with 27 disability football teams. 

Cheshire FA’s Disability Football Development Officer, Daniel Landstrom said ‘This is a fantastic initiative that has already been successful in other areas of the county and highlights how football is for everyone regardless of ability.   We have an excellent relationship with Stockport County Community Trust and already work closely with them on their disability programme.  This is another example of their commitment to disability football and how working in partnership can help convert an idea to reality. All the players had a great morning meeting new people and enjoyed playing football at a fantastic new venue.  Hopefully, we will see more groups join the session and grow the number of disabled people playing the game. ’

We are looking for more groups to get involved in the project so if you would like more information about this or disability football in Cheshire please contact disabilityfootball@cheshirefa.com.