Loyal supporters: How Leicester City’s coaches went that extra mile to raise cash for children with motor disorders
YOUNGSTERS with motor disorders are set to benefit from a Leicester City FC-led fundraising campaign.
Under the banner of Leicester City in the Community, members of the club’s coaching staff have been raising money for Steps Conductive Education Centre, in Shepshed.
An event called 5K Your Way was held at King Power Stadium just before Christmas, when Leicester City coaches and staff from the Steps Centre completed eight laps of the stadium in 35 minutes. Others participated virtually.
The football coaches have been connected with Steps for a number of years, providing activities for some of the older attendees. These sessions are eagerly anticipated by the children who take part.
One of the regular coaches, Sarah Jones, said: “Steps has been a fantastic part of our inclusive practice programme for the past few years.
“The centre has been closed since March, so we haven’t been able to support the children and staff in the same way with sessions and events.
“We wanted to show our support and appreciation for the work that Steps does in any way that we could.”
Although the centre has been closed since the start of the first lockdown, a free service has been provided for children with conditions such as cerebral palsy and Down’s syndrome. Virtual sessions have been provided for parents and children to access each day.
Janet Russell, a manager at Steps, said: “As soon as we heard that we had to close, the staff wasted no time in putting together a programme that could be accessed online by all of the families whose children take part in the sessions. “Each child received a box containing some of the equipment and familiar items used in the sessions and with the help of their parents, were able to look at the laptops at home and follow the instructions being given by the team members.
“Parents have said the continuity of the service and the opportunity to share experiences with the staff and other families provided a muchneeded light in increasingly dark times.”
Indila Simandi, lead practitioner at Steps, said: “The Leicester City in the Community coaches have supported Steps for a number of years.
“Their coaching sessions are extremely popular with our Gym Club Gorilla Group and they also provided a fun sport activity day for all of the Steps families, as well as being regular attendees at our Christmas parties and other events.”
The service, in its 26th year, costs £250,000 each year to run. Like all charities, it has had a tough year. Ms Russell said funds were down by about £100,000 in 2020.
She said: “Some of our usual big fundraising events have had to be cancelled so all donations, large or small, are very much appreciated.
“They enable us to make a big difference to the valuable work achieved at Steps and of course, to the lives of the special and unique children and their families who attend.”
■ If you would like to make a contribution to Steps Conductive Education Centre, visit the website: stepscentre.org.uk
Steps Conductive Education Centre, in its 26th year, costs £250,000 each year to run. Like all charities, it has had a tough year.