Ability counts for inclusive football squad

Footballers and coaches at Hathershaw College

A partnership helping to ensure everyone has the chance to play the “Beautiful Game” has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award.

Heyside Juniors football club has teamed up with Hathershaw College to run weekly Ability Counts sessions at the secondary school. The sessions cater for young people with a range of disabilities and special needs, such as autism and cerebral palsy, and were previously run by Oldham Council.

The club and college took them over following funding cuts.

Pupils from Hathershaw College take part as well as footballers from New Bridge and Springbrook special schools. And they have the chance to play in the FA’s Greater Manchester Ability Counts league, against teams from the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City.

The Hathershaw scheme is also helping to develop young coaches, who work with Simon Wallace and Paul Shea from Heyside. They include goalkeeper Charlie Thornton who has completed coaching qualifications and also plays for the FA’s North-West Centre of Excellence for Cerebral Palsy.

Mark Senior, secretary and welfare officer at Heyside, said it was a privilege to be nominated for a Pride in Oldham award. It’s not something we do for recognition but for the youngsters - the pupils who can’t play mainstream football. It’s not just about playing football — it’s also about the social and health benefits.”

twitter: @KarenDohertyOC