Season kick off for Saints Foundation’s Pan-Disability League

Season kick off for Saints Foundation’s Pan-Disability League

Saints Foundation’s Pan-Disability League made a successful return this October for its second season. The 2017 winner of the ‘Best Inclusive Project’ at Hampshire FA’s Grassroots Award is now sponsored by Irwin Mitchell Solicitors and is bigger than before with more teams and players looking forward to the new season.

Mike Pink SaintsAbility Assistant Project Officer explained what the Pan-Disability League is all about “The league is a fantastic opportunity for people of all abilities to take part. This gives the players, and their families, a sense of belonging and supports the players to grow not only as a footballer but also personally.”

The league attracts players from all over Hampshire who love football but feel their disability or additional needs restrict them from competitive football opportunities. Adult fixtures took centre stage on Sunday 8th October where teams were split into a Competitive League and Participation League and on Sunday 22nd October it was the turn of the U12 and U16 age groups.

All fixtures have been played in a fantastic spirt with players showing great sportsmanship; helping players up after committing a foul and shaking hands at the end of the game, as well as respecting the inclusive element allowing individuals more time on the ball. All players, parents and spectators went home with smiles on their faces, reflecting the sense of pride, achievement and feeling of belonging from the day.
Justine Spencer, Partner and Head of the Southampton Medical Negligence Team at Pan-disability league partners Irwin Mitchell was impressed with the attitude of the players and the atmosphere at the fixtures, commenting “The Southampton office of Irwin Mitchell is always keen to support great community ventures such as the Pan-Disability League. Due to the work we carry out with people who have suffered life changing injuries we recognise the psychological, social and rehabilitative benefits that playing sport can have.

We are proud to be supporting the Saints Foundation and hope as many players as possible sign up to take part in the league and showcase their sporting talents. Disability need not be a barrier to physical activity.”
To find out how teams faired in the first round of fixtures please see the results here. The next round of fixtures for the adult teams are on Sunday 5th November and Sunday 19th November for the younger age groups.

To find out details of your nearest team or if you know someone who’d benefit from taking part please contact mpink@saintsfc.co.uk.