DISABILITY FESTIVAL A WINNER WITH SUNDERLAND YOUNGSTERS

Students from Sunderland’s Barbara Priestman Academy joined youngsters representing 23 Premier League and English Football League clubs at the Premier League and BT Disability Football Festival this week.

 

Hosted on the indoor pitch at Manchester City’s Etihad Campus, other teams represented included Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea FC and Newcastle United.

 

The youngsters from Barbara Priestman Academy, who regularly participate in the Foundation’s Making Moves disability programme sessions, took part in various skill stations in the morning, and an ability banded football tournament in the afternoon as part of the annual event which aims to inspire disabled people through the power of sport.

We have attended the festivals for a number of years now and it’s a great way of rewarding the youngsters who take part in the Making Moves programme.  It also gives clubs the chance to come together, visit different football clubs and take part in something which they may never thought they would get the chance to do Kevin Darke, Foundation of Light’s Inclusion Coordinator

The day was hosted by BT’s Jake Humphrey and Abi Stephens which saw the Sunderland youngsters in Group C take on Hull City, Newcastle United and Burnley. After back to back victories and a draw they were crowned winners of their group. Denise Murray, Deputy Head of Academy from Barbara Priestman Academy commented: “The Premier League and BT Festival was a fantastic experience for our students and gave them the chance to learn new skills and, most importantly, meet and play with other youngsters in a supportive but competitive environment. “Winning their category was a fantastic result but, as much of a cliché as it is, taking part was the biggest reward.” Making Moves provides opportunities for thousands of youngsters and adults who have a wide range of disabilities such as Down’s Syndrome, Autism, Asperger’s, hearing impairment, visual impairment and wheelchair users to take part in a variety of sports and activities. The programme is supported by the PL/BT Disability Fund.