A football team for people with learning disabilities has been established by a local charity, Stepping Stones NI.
So far they have 16 players training weekly with the improvement of mental health and wellbeing a key objective for this initiative.
The team is spearheaded by two passionate staff members, Gráinne Connor and Gerard Haughey, who have completed coaching qualifications with the IFA so that they could lead on the training.
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“We wanted to create an activity and space for the people that we support to engage in exercise and improve their overall health and wellbeing,” said Gráinne, Community Youth Engagement Coordinator at Stepping Stones NI.
“We knew there was a need but the response we received was incredible, we have 16 people with learning disabilities, difficulties and barriers attending the training sessions each week” .
The team got off to a start from the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council ‘Be Active, Stay Active’ funding with equipment donated by the Irish Football Association.
One participant, Matthew Gibson said: “Wednesday night football has really improved my life and also the personal skills I use everyday.”
Players have benefited from increased confidence, self-esteem, communication and social skills.
Managing Director of Comply NI, Mark presented a new kit to the team at their training session at Wallace High ahead of a friendly game with Harry’s Place from Ballynahinch. “After hearing about the positive impact and real difference the weekly sessions were making to the participant’s health and well-being, we were delighted to sponsor the
kit as the team take part in their first match,” he said.
The multi-award winning charity provides specialist support to people with learning disabilities, learning difficulties, Autism, ADHD and Dyslexia to gain meaningful training, qualifications and employment.
A range of support is available for people who experience barriers to learning and employment starting at aged 16.
The charity operates five social enterprises which include the popular Courtyard and 2nd Avenue cafes in Lisburn which serve as a realistic training platform for people with learning disabilities.
Their well-established picture-framing and wedding stationery businesses also train up people with learning disabilities with all profits reinvested back into the charity.
Support services are tailored to suit the needs of each individual with free training, qualifications and employment support on offer.
For more information on support available contact Carla Bowyer, Business Development Executive at carla.bowyer@stepping-stones.org.uk 07717738804.
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