Thursday 14th October, saw Ceredigion’s first Schools Disability Football Festival take place at Blaendolau Playing Fields Aberystwyth.
Primary and Secondary Schools totalling of over 30 children and young people gathered at the site to take part in a morning of skills and warm up in preparation for an afternoon of games organised by Disability Sport Wales and the Welsh Football Trust.
"This is the first time I have hosted a Disability Football Festival for Schools and it was a great success, the children thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to play football and meet new people, what is great about this event is that for the players interested in playing more football there is an opportunity for them to join a local Disability Football Club. Schools will also be selected to represent Ceredigion County in a Regional Competition" explained, Gemma Cutter, Disability Sport Wales Development Officer for Ceredigion.
Arwyn Thomas Assistant Director of the Department of Education and Community Services was also there to witness everyone enjoying themselves "I was pleased to see so many children and young people from Ceredigion taking part in football and playing at a high standard, it is also a great opportunity for these players to play more football with a local Disability Football Club if they wish to do so".
Gareth Davies and Ian Hughes, Football Development t Officers for the Welsh Football Trust delivered the sessions on the day; they reacted positively to the day’s outcomes. ‘All the children had fun which is always the main reason for playing. Some children had never played football before and this event gave them the opportunity to take part in a non competitive environment. The event was also run to help regenerate interest and sign post children to Ceredigion Stars Football Club. In recent times numbers have fallen in the club and we felt this would be a good way to rekindle the players love for the game in the County. Another reason for holding the event was to also try and recruit volunteers and coaches to help support the club. We can all play a part in helping children socialize with their peers and enjoy playing football.’
Ceredigion Stars Football Club train and compete against other teams across Wales and host an annual event in Ceredigion which is where the National Disability Football Club Finals also take place.
If you would like further information on Ceredigion Stars F.C please contact club Chairman Eirian Reynolds on 01970820124 or e.reynolds304@btinternet.com or Gemma Cutter on 01970 633659 or email gemmac@ceredigion.gov.uk
