On Sunday 31st January 2010 the Middlesex County Football Association attended the third set of official fixtures involving FA Centre’s of Excellence (Disability) from across South East England for the current season. Driven by the Football Association, in conjunction with the London Sports Forum, the initiative seeks to develop both the football and academic abilities of the best young disabled players in the country. This is made possible in Middlesex through the tremendous support of Harrow based company Munnelly Support Services Limited in partnership with the Football Foundation and Sportsmatch.
Teams from Kent, Surrey and Middlesex descended upon Fulham FC’s training group, Surrey to play a series of fixtures involving U17 and U14 sides. Taking part in a round-robin format each team had the chance to express the talent which has been honed over the weeks of coaching from highly qualified Football Association coaches. The U17 team did themselves proud with three sterling performances in all their games that highlighted the benefits of the programme in developing their game.
The FA Centre of Excellence (Disability) run in Middlesex is the exit route for young players showing ability in mainstream or disabled football across the County. Players who excel at this level will have the opportunity to progress further up the player pathway and ultimately play for the England national side. Training once a week and with regular monthly fixtures squad members receive substantial contact time both educationally and on the football pitch helping shape individual players overall personal development.
The second season of this aspiring scheme continues through to the end of March 2010 and is open to 10 to 17 year old players with disabilities. A number of pupils from around the County have been involved unique development in North West London and we encourage all children with either a Learning Disability, Hearing and/or Visual Impairment, Cerebral Palsy or an upper limb amputee to become involved next season.
If you would like further information about the FA Centre of Excellence (Disability) please call Jon Whittingham on 020 8515 6904 or email jon.whittingham@middlesexfa.com
For more online information please log onto the following link: http://www.middlesexfa.com/Development/DisabilityFootball