The scheme has an emphasis on football but also includes multi sport sessions incorporating various different games and sports activities. The activities are organised for young people between four and 18 years of age who are predominantly young people with disabilities and their siblings. Many of these young people have not had the opportunity to participate in these types of activities that other young people may take for granted.
The courses are geared toward the individual needs of the children, leading to inclusion for all abilities and skill levels. The other activities include football matches, ball skills to promote hand eye co-ordination and mini training sessions.
The scheme has helped immensely in building the confidence of the young people taking part, especially as many had not previously experienced this kind of environment. The format of the sessions, whilst also being well structured, allow for the flexibility that the participants often need. No unnecessary pressure is applied from the coaches for the children to participate but they are encouraged to do the best that they can at all times. All coaches have all been professionally trained in disability coaching and show encouragement throughout all sessions
Foundation Football disability programme aims to:
| • | Prove that football is a game everyone can play |
| • | Show that people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities should not be excluded from playing football or treated less seriously |
| • | Actively increase the number of people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities playing football in England |
| • | Raise the profile of football for people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities |