NUFC Foundation and Kids 1st Funds In-School unite in disability football
Newcastle United Foundation will increase its in-school disability football programme this season thanks to a new partnership with Kids 1st.
To celebrate the launch of this long term partnership, Newcastle United Foundation visited Kids 1st Rake Lane where children took part in a number of activities to highlight the importance of football in developing confidence and fitness.
The newly funded disability project will reach over 780 children aged 6-17 years in mainstream and special educational needs schools throughout Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside and Northumberland and sees the in-schools disability programme grow to 45 participating schools.
Sessions will be delivered, free of charge, until July 2014 and include weekly in-school football sessions, after school clubs, satellite coaching centres, fixtures and competitions. The aim of the programme is to provide opportunities for young disabled people to play and enjoy football, keep fit, make friends, have fun and raise confidence.
Helen McArdle, Chairman of Kids 1st said:
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to be able to work together with such a worthwhile cause. Sport is such a valuable part of a child’s education but even more so for a child who has a disability. I look forward to a long and successful partnership with Newcastle United Foundation”.
Sarah Medcalf, Fundraising Manager, Newcastle United Foundation said:
“I would like to thank Kids 1st for their generous support in funding this project over the next year. It means that children, whatever their disability can access our football programme during school hours. Our disability football programme is growing from strength to strength, making a huge difference to children and families across the North East. We could not do this without key partners like Kids 1st Nurseries."
Newcastle United Foundation’s disability football programme reaches 1700 children and young people with disabilities annually and employs 14 full time and sessional coaches who are qualified to coach disabled footballers, including two coaches who are themselves disabled. After schools clubs are funded by BBC Children in Need.
