TODAY IS INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
TURN TO OUR BACK PAGE TO SEE HOW BT IS CHANGING THE GAME
DISABILITY FOOTBALLERS in West Wales now have the chance to get involved in the sport they love thanks to the formation of Rhydaman Rangers, part of Ammanford AFC in Carmarthenshire.
“The youngsters have a range of disabilities including autism, personality disorders and learning disabilities,” coach Sion Thomas says. “We’re a totally inclusive team and welcome children aged over 11 years and of all abilities.”
It’s been a team effort from the start. Identifying and addressing a need, the local council, community trust, Sport Wales and the FAW Trust delivered a series of
and-play sessions and visited Special Educational Need units at primary and secondary schools.
Grants were then secured for facility hire and kit, and the club has now
Disability League. Thomas added:
since they started. I
“T
gelling as a unit. I big smile on my face when see them bonding so well.”
The club’s emergence will help towards the FAW’s goal of 1,500 registered players with a disability by 2024.
There are also plans to encourage more girls and women footballers. At the end of last year more than 8,245 females were registered, setting women’s football up to become the number one women’s team sport in Wales, and on target for participation to reach 20,000 players by 2024.
It’s been built from solid foundations. Ninety-five per cent of clubs are Football Association of Wales (FAW) accredited and more than one-third of them at bronze