One Albion celebrate a year of achievements in disability football
The Albion Foundation’s disability programme and their One Albion project celebrated 12 months of success on and off the pitch last night at their awards evening at the Hawthorns.
The One Albion Project is funded through Short Breaks funding from Sandwell Council as well as the Premier League and Players Football Association Fund. It provides grass root opportunities in special schools and special educational needs units of mainstream schools for young disabled people and learning difficulties.
The young people then progress to a series of development centres covering a range of impairments and then potentially progressing to the Sporting Club Albion teams. This is an opportunity for the players to compete at a regional, national and international level and currently four Powerchair, a visually impaired, blind, four PAN Senior, a PAN girls, a PAN junior and a Down Syndrome team.
Baggies Manager Steve Clarke, who has been a great supporter of the Foundation and especially the disability section, was again the guest of honour. He was supported by another fine ambassador Steven Reid.
Both ambassadors presented individual and team awards to all of the teams and development centres. The evening culminated in two special awards, the Outstanding Achievement Award to Tony Kay for a volunteer who has gone above and beyond. Plus, the Dedication Award for the player who had also gone the extra mile. This special award went to blind footballer- Ian McNamara.
The audience of over 200 enjoyed a presentation from Powerchair player Dave Lewis, who shared his inspirational life story. He has battled through more than 30 operations but has achieved tremendous sporting success. Dave, who captains the SCA Throstle’s Powerchair team, rounded off a memorable evening by picking up both Manager’s and Player’s Player of the Year award.
Steve Clarke speaking at the end of the evening to the audience said:
“I came along last year to this event and I was truly blown away with what I saw. I have over the last season got to know a few of you a bit more and it has been another brilliant evening. You are all inspiring to me, you inspire me to do better and I feel great humility this evening being able to share in your success.”
Rob Lake, Albion Foundation Director added:
“This is one of the highlights of our Foundation calendar and has been another brilliant evening. Having the support of Steve Clarke and Steven Reid is so important and has made the night for the players. There was a wonderful atmosphere in the room and it also got quite emotional when Dave spoke and we watch the video of the power chair team going to Paris for the Champions League. This is a massive team effort and I would just like to thank all of my staff who do amazing work, the volunteers, players, parents and carers for their contribution. We are also so grateful to Rob Bache and Bache Pallets for their sponsorship of the disability teams.”
