Devon FA #WeekofFootball Disability Blog

GMM Insurance Limited Devon Ability Counts League Finals Day – Sunday 20th May

Devon FA hosted the Disability Football League Finals Day with over 50 disability teams, 400+ disability players and a fantastic end to the disability league season.

The Adult’s Finals Day at Coach Road kicked off with all seven divisions taking stage on the Devon FA pitches with teams battling for league titles and the Respect Fair Play Award.Highlights of the day included Pinhoe Spartans winning the Championship division in their first season in Adult Disability Football, Exmouth Tigers FC winning their first league title (League 1) and Barnstaple FC Female Disability retaining their female title. 

The Youth Ability Counts Festival also took place on the same day with children attending from Plymouth Argyle, Keyham Kolts Active Autism, Pinhoe Spartans FC, Bideford AFC Youth, Barnstaple FC Youth, Barne Barton Rangers Juniors, Exeter City Knights, Tavistock Specials FC, Tiverton Town FC Youth Disability, Plymouth Kolts Warriors, The Youth Festival included an Under 12 and Under 16 tournament and every youth player and coach was a credit to their Football Club participating in every activity, improving their skills and showing great sportsmanship during the tournament matches.

Devon SEN Schools Football Festival – Tuesday 22nd May

As part of Week of Football, Devon FA staged an SEN Schools Football tournament for children from schools with special educational needs. Over 150 children took part in the day across three ability levels (Under 13/15 SLD, Under 13 EBD/MLD & Under 15 EBD/MLD) with schools attending from North Devon, Mid Devon, East Devon, Exeter, Teignbridge, South Devon and Plymouth. 

The Severe Learning Disability Category received two Football sessions from the Devon FA Coach Core apprentices before friendly matches in the afternoon. The Mild Learning Disability & Emotional Behavioural Category took part in a tournament. After positive feedback from the schools, Devon FA will look to deliver SEN School Football events in the future. 

Every Player Counts Mental Health Tournament – Wednesday 23rd May

The third Disability Football event of the week was for Mental Health Football teams many attending from Plymouth Community Healthcare (It’s a Goal), Plymouth Hamoaze, Lee Mill Hospital, YMCA Exeter, Julian House in Exeter and the Amber Foundation in Chulmleigh. 

A six team league format took place before teams taking part in play offs for 5th place, 3rd place (Plate Final) and 1st place (Cup Final). Plymouth Hamoaze was victorious in the Cup Final winning 1-0 against It’s a Goal 1. YMCA Exeter, taking part in their first tournament won the Plate Cup final on penalties against the Amber Foundation and It’s a Goal 2 won the 5th place play off final against Julian House.

If you would like further information on Disability Football in Devon, please contact Ashley Harris on 07912089838 or email ashley.harris@devonfa.com