Disability Football
At the Trust we believe strongly in offering opportunities to everyone living in Suffolk regardless of their age, gender, social background or ability, and a great example of this is our disability programme.
Ability Counts works to offer children, young people and adults with physical disabilities, learning difficulties or mental health issues, the same football opportunities as mainstream football players and we run a variety of sports-based programmes to fulfil this ambition.
The programme provides opportunities for players at grass root level through to national squad level so there really is something for everyone.
At the Trust we recognise that a football course doesn’t just offer the chance to improve football skills, but also helps to improve social skills, self-esteem and confidence. With this in mind we make sure every course is tailored to the needs of those who take part.
For Information about any of our disability football programmes please call Tom Nicholas on 01473 400897.
Ipswich Town Disabled Football Team
ITDFC compete in Ability Counts’ Suffolk Adult Disability League (7 aside), Eastern Regional Disability League playing the likes of Norwich, Colchester, Cambridge and Watford. Also since 2003 the team have been competing in the London South East Multi Disabled League, playing against the likes of Brighton, Brentford and Folkestone on a regular basis.
Training takes place on Wednesday evenings at Portman Road from 7.00-8.30pm
£35.00 per 10 week block
Adults visually impaired football
At the Trust we work hard to offer football opportunities to everyone regardless of their ability. Taking place on a Wednesday evening between 7.30-8.30pm, this session is specifically designed for those over 16 who are blind or visually impaired.
Free of charge
Children's football and multi-skills coaching
Taking place on a weekly basis, these one hour sessions are designed for children between the ages of five and 15 with any disability. The sessions involve fun drills and games which cover the core skills of football and as with all our courses give a chance for youngsters to meet new people and improve their confidence.
Haverhill Leisure Centre, Haverhill: Monday 5-6pm
King Edward VI School, Bury: Tuesday 6-7pm
Portman Road: Wednesday 6-7pm
Haverhill: Free of Charge (funded)
King Edward VI School, Bury: £35.00 per 10 week block
Ipswich: £35.00 per 10 week block
Holiday soccer courses
One Day Course: 10AM-1PM: £12
The Trust provides holiday football courses for youngsters who have learning difficulties, physical disabilities or mental health issues. These one day courses focus on the skills and abilities of those taking part, tailoring each session to fit the demands of these young people. Our FA Qualified coaches are trained to work with this group of individuals and understand their requirements, making it fun at the same time.
Schools programme
We work closely with primary schools, high schools and special schools all over Suffolk, taking our knowledge and expertise into their classrooms and playgrounds and offering multi-sports and football coaching. Each school we work with is also invited to take part in an annual SchoolsFestival at Portman Road.
Every Player Counts
Thanks to a new partnership with The Football League Trust and The New Football Pools, plus a £60,000 donation, The Trust’s disability programme was able to set up two new adult leagues.
Suffolk Adult Disability League
This seven-a-side league is open to any adult with a disability. With our ability banded leagues, it
gives participants the chance to compete against players with similar abilities to their own, making this a fair and competitive league.
Adult Mental Health League
Through our work with Suffolk Mental Health Partnership (SMHP), we were able to set up a league specifically designed for those with mental health issues. Since 2009 We’ve been working alongside SMHP using football as a rehabilitation tool for those who have to deal with mental health problems. Both the Trust and SMHP recognise that football is a great way to help this group of individuals, not only by keeping them physically fit and healthy, but mentally fit and healthy too by providing the service users with something to focus on which gives them a sense of belonging and helps to improve their confidence and self-esteem.
September 2009 Saw the Trust win an award for their work with Suffolk Mental Health Partnership.
DSActive
October 2010 saw the Trust Team up with The Down’s Syndrome Association and the Football Foundation to launch DS Active – a football programme designed specifically for five to 25 year old living in Suffolk with Down’s Syndrome.
The Trust were one of 12 organisations to receive part of the £125,916 donation from the Football Foundation for this particular project which offers young people with Down’s Syndrome the chance to play regular football in a comfortable yet challenging environment. It helps those involved not only to improve their fitness and football skills but also their confidence, self-esteem and the chance for them to meet new people and make friends.
These sessions take place at Portman Road on Saturdays from 10-11am and cost £35.00 per 10 week block.
Suffolk Adult Disability 2011/12
PREMIER LEAGUE
| TEAM | PLAYED | WON | DRAWN | LOST | FOR | AGAINST | GD | POINTS |
| WAVENEY YOUTH DFC | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 14 |
| IPSWICH TOWN DFC | 8 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 7 |
| BURY TOWN WANDERERS FC | 8 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 9 | -9 | 3 |
CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE
| TEAM | PLAYED | WON | DRAWN | LOST | FOR | AGAINST | GD | POINTS |
| KIRKLEY & PAKEFIELD DFC (BLUE) | 14 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 18 | 3 | 15 | 23 |
| WAVENEY YOUTH DFC | 14 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 29 | 4 | 25 | 21 |
| CORNARD DYNAMOS FC | 14 | 6 | 7 | 1 | 14 | 5 | 9 | 19 |
| IPSWICH TOWN FC | 14 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 17 |
| BURY TOWN WANDERERS(RED) | 14 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 12 | 8 | 4 | 15 |
| BURY TOWN WANDERERS(BLUE) | 14 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 4 | 15 | -11 | 9 |
| BURY TOWN WANDERERS(YELL) | 14 | 2 | 2 | 10 | 8 | 21 | -13 | 6 |
| KIRKLEY & PAKEFILED DFC(WHITE) | 14 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 2 | 44 | -42 | 0 |
Suffolk 'Health Kicks' Adult Community League 2011/2012 Table
| TEAM | ||||||||
| BODY MATTERS | 12 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 20 | 5 | 15 | 20 |
| ITDFC | 12 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 18 | 4 | 14 | 18 |
| SAM PROJECT | 12 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 6 | 20 | -14 | 6 |
| ABILITY COUNTS | 12 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 8 | 12 | -4 | 4 |
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