The festival at the East Durham and Houghall College gave girls and boys from across County Durham the opportunity to participate in a fun football festival as twelve schools with boys and girls between the ages 10 – 16 of varying disabilities took part.

It also marked the regional launch of The FA’s School-to-Club Link programme, part of the Government’s national £539 million PESSCL (Physical Education and School Sport Club Link) project.

Special guests at the festival were Newcastle United and England midfielder Jermaine Jenas and Fulham Ladies and England Goalkeeper Leanne Hall.

Talking about the event, Jenas said: “It was fantastic to see so many children being given the opportunity to get involved in the game.

“The Durham FA explained how the School-Club link project aims to provide schools with resources to introduce children to football in a fun way that will also develop their skills, an aspiration that I was only too happy to support.” 

The project aims to give all children aged 5-16 the chance to participate in and enjoy physical activity at its renowned FA Charter Standard Clubs, in line with The FA’s commitment to providing ‘Opportunities For All’.

Football Clubs or Schools that take part in the PESSCL Project will receive a 3 Lions FC kit bag containing practical equipment, coaching cards and promotional material. Schools and Clubs can also access a festival pack to run a football festival.

Specialist coaches across the County had been busily preparing the children for the festival, with Wheelchair users given the opportunity to participate in skills stations, which surrounded the pitches.

The County Power Chair Football Team also showcased their sport on the day; hoping to raise awareness of power chair football within the County.

The event aims to trigger more disability football activity in County Durham, raise awareness of the increased opportunities in the region, following the launch of The FA’s Disability Football Development Strategy 2004-06 in January.

If you would like more information about how you can get involved locally in Disability Football, email Philip.Woodward@durhamfa.com or call: 0191 384 7006.