Today sees the annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDP). The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities.
I write this blog after watching a female footballer with a hearing impairment. In fact, she was one of three deaf female footballers playing in the FA National Women’s Futsal Series.
Through further observations, I had noticed a young female referee clearly communicating with the female deaf footballers which was appreciated greatly by them. It was pleasing to see that clear signs, even counting numbers down for a kick-in, to be made makes a difference.
A coach demonstrating and providing feedback to the footballer in question, then a chance to show this through a tactics board showed good habits. It's important to note that players learn in different ways.
It genuinely felt like we’ve come a long way in how non-disabled people communicate to people with disabilities. It’s not just about communicating, it was the language used.
It really does come back to the question of, how well do you know your audience? Are they included? Does it leave them with a positive experience that will allow them to continue to play this beautiful game?
The opportunities for disabled people continues to develop and grow. More recently by a designed bespoke and tailor-made programme in the name of Comets. Comets is a safe space recreational, pan-disability football programme for disabled boys and girls aged between 5 and 11 (kickstarting their football journey).
The England’s national teams within the Para Football Performance Pathway have been busy competing and gaining medals in a number of tournaments since the Summer.
The England Men’s Powerchair Football team (current European Champions) reached the World Cup Final in Australia, narrowly losing to France on penalties, with emerging young star, Dan McLellan (aged just 14) making his debut.
Elsewhere, England’s men’s Cerebral Palsy team picked up their first ever Silver at the European Champi
onship, the men’s Partially Sighted team were 22 seconds away from winning the IBSA World Games (hosted in Birmingham) and the England women’s deaf team secured bronze at the World Deaf Futsal Championship in Brazil.
The FA have recently launched a Disability Toolkit for Clubs to provide them with the confidence to create and develop provision for people with disabilities. Disability Toolkit for Clubs can be found: https://www.englandfootball.com/disability-training-for-clubs
Alongside the toolkit, Disability Training for Clubs: Journey to Inclusion – Super Event which is free and gives people the opportunity to find out more on how to create disability provision at football clubs.
It is due to take place on Sunday 10th December at St George’s Park. To register your place please visit here.
I have this great sense of belief there’s really never a better time to be involved with Disability Football!
-Jas