LOCAL CHARITY FOOTBALL TEAM TAKES 2007 CHAMPIONSHIP

Queen Elizabeth’s Training College football team has won the London & SE Region Ability Counts League football championship for 2007. “It’s just fantastic! The team has played really well all season and I’m so proud of how far they have come,” said Andy, team captain and trainee at the College.

Fellow trainees joined team members to celebrate at the official presentation held on 21 June when Matt Forsdyke, Registration Secretary for the League, presented the trophy.

The Regional Ability Counts Leagues form part of The Football Association Disability Football Programme and is used as a tool to develop playing and create competitive opportunities for disabled players.

Dylan Evans, Regional Football Development Manager (SE) for the Football Association commented: “The Regional Ability Counts League is critical in supporting the development of grassroots clubs and teams that provide opportunities for disabled players to play on a regular basis. With the support of local clubs, organisations and volunteers, we plan to continue to build on the success and increase the number of teams and clubs and local competition is a key element of ensuring sustained success. Congratulations and well done to everyone involved in the League.”

Founded over 70 years ago, the College has been successful in helping thousands of people to learn new skills and gain employment. The vocational training departments do not resemble classrooms; instead they are as similar to the workplace as possible, providing a stimulating but realistic environment in which trainees can progress towards formal qualifications.

Local Charity Football Team Takes 2007 Championship …

But it’s not all work. Many of the trainees arrive at the College following a prolonged period of unemployment, which may have left them withdrawn and lacking in self-esteem. Sport plays a crucial role in developing a sense of teamwork, aiding communications and building self-confidence. Perhaps, inevitably, football has always been the most popular sport but the College also plays in a number of leagues including cricket, tennis, darts, snooker and pool.