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Gareth Fullerton

West Belfast disability football club changing lives in its community

A West Belfast disability football club is helping change lives in its local community after launching six years ago.

St James' Swifts FFA (Football for All) was formed in 2017 for players with physical, sensory and/or intellectual disabilities to enjoy the beautiful game..

A handful of players attended their first training session. Now the club caters for just under 40 people ranging from the ages of 10 to 53.

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St James continues to grow from strength to strength, and their progress on and off the pitch has been mirrored by some trophy success.

They recently completed their first season in the Special Olympics programme after entering two teams in the competition.

Their A Team claimed a gold medal in Division One, while the club's B Team won bronze in Division Two.

The club continues to shape the football careers and lives of its players (St James' Swifts FFA)

"That was a great experience for the club. This was the first year we had entered into the Ulster Special Olympics programme," said Darren Coyle, head coach at St James' Swifts FFA.

"We wanted to give the guys more football, essentially. We are part of the Irish FA programme which gives them one game a month.

"The Special Olympics programme offered us another game each month, so they were getting twice as much football. The programme was run similarly to the IFA one, and started back in October/November time.

"Our A Team was put into Division One and they won the gold medal, and our B Team was in Division Two and they won bronze, which was fantastic. We are delighted for the players.

"This is a new experience for them. They were getting to travel to places like Monaghan, Omagh, Allen Park and a few other places.

"So they all got on the minibus and sang their songs, and they loved it. They were loving life.

"The Special Olympics people themselves couldn't have been any more welcoming. They looked after the players, coaches, volunteers - it was fantastic.

"It was a wonderful experience for everyone at the club. It showcases the work the club does in the local community, and there isn't that much awareness of disability football.

"And there is probably less awareness when it comes to the Special Olympics programme. So it is good to showcase both of those and give people more awareness."

Fresh from their win in the Special Olympics programme, St James' Swifts FFA backed it up with victory at the George Best Community Cup at the weekend.

St James' Swifts FFA now caters for just under 40 players (St James' Swifts FFA)

"That was another fantastic win. This was our fifth year of entering, and we finally got our hands on the trophy," Darren said.

"That was against teams from down south, England and Scotland. The players are getting accustomed to silverware now, which is good."

The Special Olympics programme was a new venture for St James' Swifts. It offered the club's players to more football, and against unfamiliar opposition.

It also opens the players to potential call-ups to the Irish Special Olympics team in the future.

"I believe we are the first Belfast team to enter the Special Olympics programme, and it has helped us attract more people who want that additional football experience, and travel all around the country," Darren said.

"The good thing about it, is that after two years of your club being entered, your players can eventually go on to represent Ireland. So hopefully we can see some St James' players represent Ireland on the international level."

Darren says he has been proud of the growth of St James' Swifts FFA in the past six years.

Not only are they offering regular football in a welcoming environment, but they are also helping players enjoy life experiences and develop their social skills outside of their homes.

"We started in 2017. At our very first training session we had five or six players," Darren added.

"We now have just under 40 players, ranging from 10-year-olds right up to 53. So there is a real mix, and a huge age range.

"We have a couple of female players, one in the junior and one in the seniors, but it is mostly males at the minute.

"The club is a huge part of the community. The support we get is brilliant.

"And that's not just within the St James' community. Other clubs are very supportive of what our players achieve.

"There is one other disability football club in West Belfast, and it is brilliant to see. Whenever our players win a trophy or are going on a trip, the support they get from the volunteers and other clubs is fantastic.

St James' Swifts FFA recently won the George Best Community Cup (St James' Swifts FFA)

"Because we have had a huge growth in numbers, we have increased our staff as well. Next summer we also hope to play at a tournament in Spain.

"We want to bring one or two teams to that. We can see how they cope with the Spanish heat.

"Essentially I want these guys to create memories and enjoy experiences they maybe wouldn't get if they weren't involved. It is a shame more people are not involved in disability football, because the smiles on all the players' faces is so rewarding."

Darren says the feedback from parents is one of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering.

And he believes it reflects the success of the club, outside of lifting trophies and silverware.

He said: "So many parents have said to us, that without our football club their child would just be sitting in their bedroom and not socialising.

"This is more than football. It is about building character and getting the players more confident in themselves.

"And you witness that first-hand when you work with them. And you like to take them under your wing and see them on the right path.

"And the amount of respect they show you in return is very heartwarming."

Anyone looking more information on St James' Swifts FFA should check out their Facebook page HERE

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