Football Tournament is an enterprising experience
Disability Football came to town as seven teams from colleges across the North West braved the cold and biting wind at Warrington Collegiate on Wednesday 7th December as part of the Ability Counts Football League. Playing seven a side, the competition was fierce with Warrington Collegiate players keen to win on their home territory.
Warrington Collegiate recently took part in a three team disability football tournament organised by Warrington Wolves Foundation Disability Co-ordinator, Danny O’Brien. The team had some excellent wins and had hoped to continue this winning streak.
The home team had huge support from fellow students on Foundation Learning Courses at Warrington Collegiate with lots of cheering and support from the side lines. Despite the winter chill, the festive spirit was evident with hot drinks and season’s greetings exchanged between players.
The tournament was organised by Foundation Learning students as part of their Event Management Enterprise Challenge with help and support from students studying Extended Diploma in Sport at Warrington Collegiate. 17 year old, Ryan Denham, from Padgate, praised the commitment of the students organising the event, saying, “It was good working together, we had some really lively discussion at the planning stages. I’m so pleased to see all the hard work in action.”
Coach, Pete Connor, Lecturer at Warrington Collegiate says “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.”
Visiting teams from North West colleges were impressed with how well the students had organised the event and the teamwork, both on and off the pitch. Neil Haydyn, Sports Lecturer at Salford College, commented “Student led is the way forward, well done to all the students involved.” Steve Jackson, Sports Coach from Loretto College added, “This is a big achievement for these students to have organised it themselves. We will be following their lead when the tournament comes to us.”
Despite valiant efforts Warrington Collegiate B team came 5th. However they were far from downhearted as they were a substitute late entry for an away team who couldn’t make it on the day. Warrington Collegiate A fared better taking third place after some hard fought games, particularly with winners Riverside College and second placed Lancaster and Morecambe College.
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.
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.”
