Swans celebrate World Down’s Syndrome Day

Swans ambassador Lee Trundle visited Litchard Primary School in Bridgend to celebrate World Down’s Syndrome Day 2018.

Trundle paid a special visit to Litchard School pupil Hollie Evans, who is a participant of the Swans Community Trust’s Down’s Syndrome Football sessions.

Running as part of the Community Trust’s continually evolving Inclusion project, the Down’s Syndrome Football sessions run weekly at PlayFootball in Swansea. The sessions cost just £4 and run from 5pm to 6pm for children and 6pm to 7pm for adults.

“It’s our third year celebrating World Down’s Syndrome Day and we followed the ‘Lots of Socks’ celebration,” said Dale Richards, Head of Litchard Primary School.

“One of our pupils, Hollie Evans, has Down’s Syndrome, and every year we celebrate the uniqueness of Hollie and other children like her. So, this year the children came to school wearing wacky sock attire to help share the day with her.

“It’s great that a football club who play in the richest league in the world are willing to come out to schools and help us celebrate days like today."

Trundle donned odd socks to celebrate the World Down’s Syndrome Day Lots of Socks campaign and showcased some of his footballing skills to the pupils.

“It’s been a lot of fun, it’s nice to come and see the whole school are celebrating World Down’s Syndrome Day. It raises awareness and helps to bring the pupils together,” said Trundle.

“It gives people an understanding that everyone’s lives are different and we all face different obstacles.”

Trundle has previously visited some of the Trust’s Down’s Syndrome football sessions to lend his support to the initiative and has had a lasting influence on many of the participants, especially Hollie.

“The Down’s Syndrome football initiative is something that brings everyone together. Seeing them having fun as a team is brilliant as that is what football is all about,” he added.

Hayley Evans, Hollie’s mum, siad: “We travel to the Community Trust’s football sessions all the way from Bridgend.

“We have met some amazing friends through the sessions and it is nice to see her included - all the coaches are brilliant with Hollie.”

To get involved with our Down’s Syndrome Football Sessions or to find out more information, please email Richard@scfccommunitytrust.co.uk.