Posted: Saturday 1 October 2011
Talented football students at with a disability proved they could take on the challenge at their first football tournament of the season at Loreto College in Manchester. Seven teams battled it out, each playing each other at seven a side and for seven minutes each way. The competition was fierce with players being subbed to field strong teams and despite some excellent performances from individual players Warrington Collegiate had to settle for joint fourth place.
Team player, 21 year old Stuart Connolly, from Latchford, Warrington, said "I can’t wait till the next football tournament in Blackburn; it’s going to be ace. Motto for then could be, success is no accident it is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all loving what you are doing.”
Coach, Pete Connor, lecturer at Warrington Collegiate said “The enthusiasm, team spirit and camaraderie of this group of players is immense. They are a pleasure to coach and I love being involved in Ability Counts Football”
The Ability Counts Football League was developed for players with a disability who want to play team football. To encourage more players to participate the League has established 'pan-disability' groups that allow players with different disabilities to play as one team. Although the league is for young men under 19 the Warrington Collegiate team have been, by invitation, able to field female and over 19 players.
Passion and enthusiasm for the ‘beautiful game’ counts at Warrington Collegiate and the squad is growing weekly. Training is tough, but these dedicated players turn out, come rain or shine, for fitness and skills training at their weekly sessions.
Back at Warrington Collegiate this highly committed team of players is now driving forward to further develop their performance and take full advantage of their new found confidence in the next tournament at St Mary’s College, Blackburn in November.
