Everton Seek Disabled Footballers

An innovative programme which helps disabled people participate in football has claimed a top national sports award.

Seventh place in the 2010-11 Barclay’s Premier league reflected another strong finish for Everton Football Club.  However the Merseysiders’ disability initiative, ‘Everton in the Community’ (EiTC), faired even better when it was named Best Community Programme at the 2011 Sports Industry Awards.

Courses are led by a Disabled Football Development Officer whose role it is to give children, young people and adults the chance to experience football and the benefits the sport can bring to their lives.

Disabled Access to Sport

Through the programme EiTC offers football to disabled people, whatever their ability.  In an effort to encourage more people to take part, ‘pan-disability’ groups have been set up, allowing players with different disabilities to play as one team.  These groups include players with visual impairments, amputees, downs syndrome, cerebral palsy, learning difficulties, hearing impairments and spina bifida. Wheelchair users and blind people are also catered for but in separate groups, due to safety considerations.

Each disabled team trains regularly under the guidance of experienced coaches and staff.  The teams then play in frequent friendlies and tournaments.

Community coaches from Everton FC have worked in over 30 schools in the Merseyside area, focusing on special schools and mainstream schools with disabled pupils.  The coaches also provide training to teachers on working and coaching players with disabilities.

If you are interested in joining one of the teams email community@evertonfc.com for more details.