SNAPS launches inclusive football club

Local charity SNAPS has launched a new football club on Sunday mornings for children with additional needs and their siblings.

Use of pitches for the new club has been kindly donated by the Hunslet Club and interest from families has been overwhelming. 22 children have registered to come to the new club as there is a severe lack of sports teams that children with disabilities can access.

Leanne Zanetti, mum of Luca who will be joining the new team said: “We are very excited about the SNAPS football club starting.

“My son has a passion for football but has been unable to access it in terms of playing with friends as part of a team or club. And although there will still be challenges a lot of barriers are broken down by the fact that it is a SNAPS session where he can feel safer surrounded by familiar faces and without judgement.

“We know these sessions will not be about forcing him to try to conform to a format that doesn’t work, but instead this SNAPS football club is all about building on our children’s strengths and letting them guide it to work for them so they can enjoy a sport with their friends, with the ultimate aim of building on personal skills such as team work, communication and confidence. We are very excited and grateful for this opportunity so a big thank you to SNAPS.”

SNAPS is determined to offer this opportunity to children with additional needs and their siblings as there is a severe lack of provision in this area.

Lucy Owen, SNAPS Chief Executive said:

“Joining a local sports team is part of growing up and something every child should be able to experience. Unfortunately, however, there are often hurdles that stop the children we work with enjoying the benefits that come with being part of a sports team. This new football club is a fantastic way for children to be able to be involved in a team, learn new skills, make new friends and take part in a wonderful sport.

“We were thrilled when the Hunslet Club kindly offered use of their pitches so that we could start this exciting project as we knew it was something that the families we work with desperately wanted. It is fantastic to be here today and see so many happy children running about with a football and enjoying one of life’s great pleasures.”

 

This post is based on a press release issued by SNAPS