Fulham FC Foundation’s DisAbility footballers played their final league fixtures in the Surrey Football for All competition last weekend, bringing an end to competitive football for this group for the 2021/22 season.
Surrey Football for All is a monthly league competition for Pan DisAbility sides from across the county, with four sides representing Fulham this season- Under-12s, Under-16s and two Adult teams. These players all attend regular Fulham FC Foundation sessions, including our weekly Pan DisAbility football, Active Autism sessions or Down’s Syndrome Badgers Football.
Each footballer was awarded a medal for taking part, while our Adult Championship side were awarded the Respect Trophy and finished 2nd in the league – amazing achievements for their debut season in the competition!
Katy Shephard, DisAbility Development Officer, expressed her pride in the group of young footballers who had represented Fulham so well this year. “I have seen so many of them develop not only individually but also as teams. Building confidence in themselves and their team mates, working together, and most importantly playing some great football.
"In previous years we have entered an Under-12s team into the league but this season to be able to expand and enter four teams across all the age groups has been a massive achievement. This season we have had over 45 players playing across the four teams, with some attending one or two fixtures, but quite a large number attending all eight fixtures!”
Drew, one of Fulham’s Adult Championship players, reflected on his experience in the competition. “Our first season in the league has been fantastic. For a group of players who had never played together before, and with a changing group at each round of fixtures we really grew as a team and a group. The atmosphere between us has been great and that's clearly reflected by us winning the respect award.
"Coming second in the league by one point, which we would've won had we been able to attend every round, is a testament to the teamwork of all of us and the support of our coaches. It can be easy to play 'kick it long' football at disability level but I've loved seeing us play proper passing football and enjoy getting everyone involved in our games.”
Karen, parent of Kristian in our Under-12s side, spoke of the importance of events like Surrey Football for All. “The league is an amazing league for the pan disability clubs, it gives the children the opportunity to play competitively against other teams, with all abilities. My son has been a part of the Fulham Under-12 team from the start in September 2021, I have seen how much my son, has improved his ball skills, his control and confidence with the ball and his communication on the pitch with his fellow team mates. My son has gained new friendships within the Fulham team. I have seen this team grow and taken shape, with everybody working together, encouraging each other and supporting each other.”
Gemma, whose son Edward plays for our Under-16s, described the impact these fixtures have on the players involved. “Sunday morning, he’s up and excited with his blue Fulham FC kit on, shin pads and water bottle in hand and ready to play in defence for the Under-16s.
It’s an absolute joy to watch the passion and enthusiasm from the team, the on pitch banter, bonding together over their love of football despite their varying abilities and needs. Edward has got so much out of these fixtures and his confidence has blossomed.”
Brian, parent of Paul, one of our Fulham Badgers, reflected on the symmetry at times evident in the football played here and seen at Craven Cottage this season! “The Badgers have really improved through the season playing in the pan disability league. In the first week they were almost overawed and playing very much as individuals but by the final week there was clear teamwork, passing and even tackling back! In fact one of the goals came from an almost Cairneyesque through ball with a Mitrovic like finish.
"The hard work put in by the players and coaches has really paid off. Playing these matches has been a real benefit to the Badgers and hopefully we can all look forward to more Pan DisAbility matches and playing against other Down’s Syndrome teams.”
To find out more about these fixtures or Fulham FC Foundation’s DisAbility provision generally, contact Katy at kshephard@fulhamfc.com
