Free football for children with disabilities in Partington

Friday Night Football is for children of all ages and disabilities and takes place at Partington Sports Village in a collaboration between Trafford Council, Access Sport, and Partington Wellbeing and Community Centre.

Organiser Josh McVety said it’s a great chance for children to come along, learn some skills and enjoy themselves. There are around 12-18 children each session and they can be neurodivergent or have physical disabilities. He said: 

“It’s the best part of my work week just to see the difference these sessions make. Sometimes children don’t want to go outside of their own bedrooms but here, the children can be themselves without having to mask.

“It’s a trusted place for parents to know their children are having a great time with people that care for them.”

The children also receive coaching, with three of the volunteer coaches also having disabilities – two with cerebral palsy and one with autism and ADHD. Josh said: 

“They are great with the children – it makes them feel like they are part of a family. They are currently doing their coaching badges as well – two of them have just received their Level One and the other one is going through the process as well.”

Josh is now looking to expand the offer and have more children coming along. He is looking to be able to offer training to a range of ages, each with their own coach and disabled volunteer.
 

Cllr Eve Parker, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage, said: 

“I’m so happy that we are able to offer this football for free. A team sport like football improves physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing and fosters a sense of camaraderie. This is such a good offer and I would urge children to give it a go.”

Cllr Tom Ross, Trafford Council leader, said: 

“Our priority is the best start for our children and young people. That means every child, so it’s important we make sure every child in Trafford can access sport.”

To find out more about the Friday Night Football sessions, please email joshuamcvety@gmail.com.