The Power Soccer Summer Camp proved to be a great success.
Tuesday, 07 August 2007.
The FA acknowledges that football has a wide social responsibility; therefore, in addition to providing the public with a point of contact, The FA's Customer Relations team is also dedicated to supporting community-focused projects which align themselves with The FA’s Football for All campaign.
The FA’s Football for All campaign concerns itself with ensuring everyone has a chance to be involved in football regardless of background; that we have eliminated discrimination whether by reason of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability; encouraging and increasing the involvement of groups at all levels of football by recognising that inequalities may exist and taking steps to address them.
The Power Soccer Summer Camp which was held earlier this month, is one of the many projects that has continually received the support of The FA. This project provides children with an opportunity to take part in football during the close season and it embraces all races and gender.
The Camp, which actively encourages participation from its local ethnic community, kicked off in Hayes, Middlesex, with approximately 100 children participating in various matches, skill sessions and competitions coached by qualified FA coaches from the local Asian community.
Koye Sowemimo from The FA's Customer Relations team attended a Fun Day at the Power Camp, with The FA Cup making a special appearance. Players and parents had photographs taken with The Cup, whilst every child received an England cap.
"It is great to see children from all backgrounds taking part in events such as Power Soccer and credit must go to the organisers for dedicating their time into making this happen," said Koye.
One participant won the opportunity to be an England Mascot at the England v Estonia Euro 2008 qualifying match. Other prizes included tickets to an England match for each age bracket.
As a winner of The FA’s Charter Standard Holiday Course Best Practice Award, Power Soccer produces greater understanding between young players of different nationalities, race, colour and creed and ensures that they have access to top quality coaching.
“Having The FA here along with local sponsors has given this event a great boost and we hope with that with the continued support of The FA we can expand this further," said Nim Poonia, Power Soccer Company Director.
This project epitomised everything The FA believes can be achieved through the power of football and we were delighted at the interest from all backgrounds that Power Soccer generated throughout Hayes.