Caversham AFC is launching a pioneering disabilities project with free football activity sessions for children aged six to 11 this month.
The club, which has the largest number of junior players in Reading, believes no one should miss out on enjoying the beautiful game and has adopted the Football Association’s Comets programme for boys and girls with physical disabilities, learning difficulties or who are neuro-diverse.
The sessions will be held every second Sunday between 2pm and 3pm at Highdown School, starting on September 28.
Caversham AFC’s Comets pan-disability football lead Jen Holman said: “I am so delighted we are able to offer these activity sessions because everyone should be able to enjoy football.
“It isn’t just normal football, the sessions are designed specifically for pan-disabled children, including the use of specific balls and equipment. We will have qualified coaches working in a safe space, with the support of the FA and its Comets programme.
“This isn’t just limited to children in Caversham. If your child wants to start their football journey or just try something different then I want to hear from you.”
Caversham AFC chairman Jeroen Verheggen added: “Inclusion is at the heart of Caversham AFC.
“We have seen huge growth in the number of girls and women over the past 10 years and I believe offering football for children with disabilities is an important step forward for the grassroots game and something we lack in our community.
“We are also hoping that local businesses will see the benefits of supporting these children by sponsoring this project and the club, to enable these kinds of initiatives.”
Parents who are interested in their children joining the first five sessions should contact Jen Holman by emailing comets@cavershamafc.co.uk.
