Teams from Bodmin Dragons FC, Penzance FC, and Trevenson FC took part in the launch of the new Cornwall FA Ability Counts League. They were divided into 2 divisions - Championship and League, which are based on ability levels to ensure that they are competitive. The League level teams played 4 games each and the two Championship Level teams played each other twice then the players were mixed into teams and they played each other again.
A group of Under 16s Youth Players turned up on the day to play and take part in training sessions. which was held at Cornwall College Camborne last Sunday. They were given training sessions first to get them into the swing of it. Then they were put into teams so they could play games. John Stevens from local club Trevenson was one of the coaches. He said, “This kind of day really gives the kids something to aim for. We are looking forward to seeing this format on a once a month basis because it provides a regular opportunity for the players.”
Fellow Trevenson coach Gary Richards added, “It is different today. We have given the players the chance to use different sized footballs with the aim of improving their ball control. ”
Two of the Trevenson players in the Turn Up and Play part of the Festival were Nathan Richards and Josh Spencely. Nathan’s verdict was, “It’s fun. I like it very much. The people are friendly and nice. The coaches train us and it’s good. I like them. I’ve learnt new skills today too. It should be more often.” Josh agreed and added, “Yes, it’s fun. I’ve been in goal today and that was fun too. I have lots of friends here.”
Warren Parker, the Disability Football Development Officer from Cornwall FA, who organised the day, said, “It’s all gone to plan today. We did have to work at getting it right on the turn up and play youth section to ensure we accommodated the range of abilities and to adapt the sessions accordingly.
“Thanks must go to the referees for helping out to make the day a success. They took a flexible approach to managing the games. The club coaches are brilliant and the players are all winners today. “
He added. “As well as being able to hold fixtures for the League and Championship there’ll be turn up and play on the day opportunities for girls and boys at every monthly festival.
Player Rob Baron, from Bodmin Dragons League team said, “It’s been a good learning experience meeting a lot of people and learning new skills. We’ve done passing and other skills and then learnt about teamwork. Two players came with us today who aren’t in our team and they’ve been able to join the youth section today which is great for them.
“Football is good for your health. I have dyspraxia which means I have poor co-ordination and playing football really helps with that. It’s been a productive day. And I want to say that I think our coach is one of the best in Cornwall. We respect him and honour him highly.”
That coach is Steve Borlase, also Chairman of the Cornwall FA Ability Counts League. He said, “It was a fantastic day, especially for the younger ones, who are the future. The other players enjoyed the competitive element to their game. They need to play games and be given the opportunity to play as a team. This type of festival style day will be great on a monthly basis. “
One of Steve’s players in the Bodmin Dragons Championship side, Daniel Burman added, “It was brilliant. The other teams gave us a challenge and made us work really hard. Our coaches are brilliant too and train you well and tell you what to do to keep you aware. I’ve made new friends here today through these games.”
Trevenson FC have teams in both the League and Championship Levels. Coach, Lynn Roberts, said, “I think the whole day is great. An event like this means the players can socialise and get the competitive element too, which is then one thing lacking at training. Our players have met teams of similar abilities and they can measure themselves against them.”
The Penzance team coach, Maurice Holland said, “What a brilliant day. The players are always talking about football and the teams they support, so to be able to get them playing games makes them very happy. We spend most of the time training and there are no games for them to look forward to. Now we have the League, but we will also be arranging friendlies from today. It’s exactly what the players need.
“Of course, the other great thing about a day like today is the opportunity to socialise for the players. It’s a friendly atmosphere and it would be good to do this kind of festival event on a bigger scale.”
Neil Oats plays for the Penzance League team. His verdict on the day was, “Fantastic. I can play striker or goalkeeper. We lost, but no sulks with us though. The main thing is taking part. Our coaches are fantastic too. They’re ace. ”
Fellow Penzance team player Jamie Wood added, “Brilliant! I like scoring goals. It’s sometimes a bit hard and sometimes a bit easy to play people from other teams. We have a brilliant manager. He’s friendly and nice.”
The referees on the day were Nigel Jewell, James Porter and Trevor Lawrence. Nigel Jewell said, “For us it’s very enjoyable. It’s great to see the expressions on the players’ faces. It’s obvious how much they thoroughly enjoy the experience. It gives us a real sense of satisfaction to be involved. Also, it’s good for our communication skills to have to explain the rules to different levels of abilities.”
Cornwall FA is starting an Ability Counts Schools League too for age groups under-12, under-16 and post-16. The players are expected to come from 10 schools and school units from around the county. They can then extend their playing opportunities to the Ability Counts League festivals externally of School.
The results on the Festival day in the Cornwall FA Ability Counts League were:
Championship Bodmin Golds 2 – 0 Trevenson Blacks
Trevenson Blacks 2 – 7 Bodmin Golds
League Penzance 1 – 0 Trevenson Reds
Trevenson Reds 1 – 4 Bodmin Blacks
Bodmin Blacks 5 – 0 Penzance
Trevenson Reds 4 – 6 Penzance
Bodmin Blacks 7 – 1 Trevenson Reds
Penzance 1 – 1 Bodmin Blacks
If you are interested in playing or finding out more about disability football in Cornwall, please email Warren Parker or phone him on 07846293067.