Seagulls in the Community announces partnership with Weston Ability
Weston-super-Mare AFC and Seagulls in the Community are delighted to announce a partnership with Weston Ability Football Club.
Weston Ability is a football club for players with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The team was established in 2014 and offers a fun, inclusive environment, welcoming those of all abilities and ages of 7 years old to adults.
They will now be supported by Seagulls in the Community, the official charity of Weston-super-Mare AFC.
Following this partnership, Weston Ability's training sessions will be taking place on The Optima Stadium 3G pitch every Sunday 9am - 10am.
They will also have access to a minibus for away match travel, CPD sessions for coaches, promotion across the Weston-super-Mare AFC media platforms, and more.
Weston-super-Mare AFC Director and Seagulls in the Community Trustee, Alex Crowther, said:
We're delighted Weston Ability have partnered with Seagulls in the Community and Weston-super-Mare AFC. They are now very much a part of our club.
"It's been a genuine pleasure getting to know their players, coaches and staff over the past 6 months - Understanding how we can best use the resources and expertise we have available at SITC and WsMAFC to support their future growth and ultimately, allow more players to benefit from the fun and inclusive environment they have created."
Weston Ability allows those with disabilities to increase their confidence and independence, make new friendships and become part of a welcoming community.
The club currently has 50 players, all coached by FA qualified coaches, and now have spaces open for new players. The team train once a week as well as competing in the Somerset Ability Counts League, where the teams take part in tournaments against other disability teams.
Dave Edmonds, Lead Coach at Weston Ability, said:
We have been running for nearly 15 years and we now have the opportunity to expand and grow as a club with the support of Seagulls in the Community and Weston-super-Mare AFC.
"We can offer more children and adults with disabilities, learning difficulties and special educational needs the opportunity to play football in a fun, safe and inclusive environment.
"Ourselves, SITC and WsMAFC are very passionate about inclusive football we have some great ideas to develop our offering in the future. We are excited for what is to come."
Seagulls in the Community has relaunched this year and is currently exploring the viability of several projects which will benefit the local community.
Andrew Kynaston, Seagulls in the Community Trustee, said:
Our partnership with Weston Ability is something our team of trustees has been working towards for some time, and we are delighted that they have now formally joined us.
"I've loved attending some of their recent matches, and we can't wait to support them more going forward.
"I've enjoyed my first 6 months as a trustee of Seagulls in the Community. I've had some great conversations with Weston-super-Mare AFC supporters and other members of the local community about the types of projects we could look at starting.
"Myself and the rest of the Seagulls in the Community trustees look forward to developing the charity over the coming months and years."
Andrew will be joining the Weston Ability committee as part of the agreement.
Bridget Bolland, Oli Bliss, Alex Crowther and Chet Mistry are also trustees of Seagulls in the Community.
If you are interested in joining Weston Ability Football Club or want to find out more please contact: weston.abilityfc@gmail.com
Seagulls in the Community, Weston-super-Mare AFC, and Weston Ability would like to thank Nick Hawkins, Football Development Officer for Disability Football at Somerset FA for facilitating the initial introduction between the organisations.