Ability Counts at Stoke

The Staffordshire Football Association and Stoke City FC held their annual Ability Counts Awareness Campaign last month, culminating in a day out at the Britannia Stadium for over 100 children with disabilities and impairments.

The pupils, from Special Schools in the County, attended and supported the campaign with each school invited to receive a free coaching session from Staffordshire FA’s Disability Football Coach Jamie Leaning in the Stoke City Academy Dome.

They were then given an access-all-areas tour of the Britannia Stadium, taking in sights such as the dressing room, pitchside, trophy cabinet and the Stanley Matthews Lounge, a suite dedicated to the England and Stoke legend.

Pupils from Aynsley School then treated the crowd to a sign language rendition of Stoke's famous terrace anthem 'Delilah' prior to the Premier League game with Middlesbrough, before they were presented with the trophy following their success in the Staffordshire FA’s Special Schools Tournament. Stoke’s Ability Counts FC then took on Middlesbrough Soccability FC in an exhibition game which ended 1-1 and completed a fine day out for everyone involved.

The County also hosted its first ever Powerchair/Wheelchair football taster session in conjunction with Able 2 United from Burton, a club that play in the Staffordshire Ability Counts League. The session helped gauge the level of interest but also offered players the opportunity to improve their technique as well as picking up new skills in a fun-filled environment.

The campaign is held annually by the Staffordshire FA to raise awareness and to promote disability football as well as offering the people a chance to experience a football environment at close hand, with some of the schools being lucky enough to meet members of the Stoke squad during their tours.

Jamie Leaning, Staffordshire FA’s Disability Coach, said: “The campaign is devoted to giving people an insight into disability football opportunities within the county and also what Stoke City as a club can offer.

“Many students with disabilities are sceptical about getting into sport for a variety of reasons. Some may be in classes or in a mainstream school that is not able to offer support for their personal needs so may miss out so this event is perfect to highlight the available opportunities.”