Blues launch initiative

Wingate and Finchley FC helped to launch a special Disability Initiative before last weekend’s game with Cheshunt by holding an open day at their home in Summers Lane.

The ambitious initiative from the Isthmian League club, not attempted by anyone else at their level, is in conjunction with Barnet Mencap and will offer people with learning difficulties and disabilities the opportunity to take part in football coaching sessions. This is to help enrich their social, health and life skills and will also be extended to other sports such as cricket, hockey and tennis.

The day was attended by the Vice Chair of The National Association of Disabled Supporters (NADS) Jamie Polk, the Worshipful the Mayor of the London Borough of Barnet John Marshall and Mike Freer (Leader of Barnet Council and a Conservative parliamentary candidate for chipping and Barnet.)

Speaking about the event, Wingate and Finchley Chairman Aron Sharpe said: “The launch of our Disability Initiative is a sign of the ambition the club has in terms of internal development as well as reaching out to the wider community, we are looking forward to working with Barnet Mencap.”

Shelley Gibbons from Barnet Mencap added: ''We are delighted to be working with Wingate and Finchley FC to offer more sporting opportunities for people with learning difficulties and disabilities.”

Danny Wallace, the former Manchester United and England winger and an ambassador for NADS has also offered his support for the project.

“Football should be easily available to everyone, whether it’s playing, coaching or supporting,” he said.

“This is an excellent initiative which will have a very positive effect on those involved and I’m delighted to be able to support it.”

Lord Triesman, The FA’s Chairman also gave his backing to the project. “The FA are committed to disability football provision and we wish Wingate and Finchley FC every success with this initiative,” he said.

“Community projects such as this coaching open day have helped The FA increase disabled football opportunities massively over the last decade and we now have seven national disability squads competing in tournaments on a regular basis around the world.

“The FA also have their own Disability Equality Advisory Group who have close links with both grassroots and professional football while working with excellent organisations such as the National Association of Disabled Supporters so we're really striving for football for all, on and off the pitch.”