Swansea City AFC Foundation pan disability participants win Premier League Disability Festival
Swansea City AFC Foundation’s Premier League Kicks pan disability football participants won the Premier League Disability Festival tournament in Wolverhampton.
The participants were given the chance to travel on the Swansea City first-team coach from the Swansea.com Stadium to Wolverhampton Wanderers' Sir Jack Hayward training centre.
The young players then faced off against participants from Wolves, Aston Villa, Burton Albion and Birmingham City in group stage games, winning all of their fixtures and conceding just once.
Their winning ways continued with a 5-1 victory over Aston Villa in the semi-finals, before beating hosts Wolves 3-0 to claim the trophy.
On top of a win and the opportunity to face a number of different clubs, the participants had the opportunity to have a photo with the Premier League trophy.
The Foundation launched their pan-disability football sessions in January 2023, offering children aged eight to 18 facing challenges such as autism, learning difficulties, physical or mobility issues and sight or hearing impairment the opportunity to take part in inclusive football sessions, which are completely free to attend.
Premier League Kicks coach Andrew Dyer leads the pan-disability sessions and was glad to be able give his participants the opportunity to take part in the festival.
“We’re delighted to have been a part of the Premier League Disability Festival Wolverhampton, it’s a brilliant opportunity for our participants,” said Dyer.
“You can tell just how much they all loved the day, they worked hard and stuck together as a team and it’s an incredible effort from all of them to win the tournament.
“It’s important that we can offer opportunities like these to children who otherwise wouldn’t get them.”
Dexter was part of the winning side and loved the chance to take part and feel like a professional footballer.
“My favourite part of the day was being a part of the tournament, it was really fun, and I enjoyed playing, I scored and assisted as well,” said Dexter.
“It was amazing stepping onto the pitch at the training ground, it made me feel like an actual footballer and it was all really fun.”
Dexter’s dad Andy was delighted to see the participants enjoy a successful day, but felt the friendships and team spirit they built were even more valuable.
“It was really nice to see all the boys gelling, I think the friendships and team spirit really built throughout the day and it’s really good to see,” said Andy.
“I think all of their confidence will have shot through the roof, it’s really special for them and I think every one of them will take so much home after this.”
To find out more about the Foundation's pan-disability football sessions, click HERE.
