Pitching In Southern League Premier Central outfit, Stourbridge, instigated Pan-Disability football in July 2021 with the appointment of Andrew Parker and Steve Wem.
Two teams were initially registered in the Sandwell Inclusion League, a seven-a-side team in the Championship League and a five-a-side team in League 1.
Over the past three years, the League has grown and now there are four levels with teams playing in five adult divisions.
The number of clubs competing has increased and the number of teams from those clubs has also grown.
Last season Stourbridge had three teams and achieved some successes, with the team in the Premiership finishing runners-up. The club also had two teams in League 2, one finished as Champions and the other won the League Cup.
The section continues to grow with another team entering the Championship division for the current season.
Steve Wem, Lead Coach of the Section, said: “We have had success on the field but the real success is creating an environment that enables more individuals to feel part of the club.
"In three years the club has doubled in size with 40 players registered across the four sides for this season.
"Although running and managing disability teams has been challenging, it is also extremely rewarding. With such a diverse spectrum of disability, learning to understand and deal with situations and individual vulnerabilities is essential. We not only become coaches but support workers, carers, someone the players look up to and respect.
"Finding volunteers who are committed to helping is probably one of the hardest things to achieve, but fortunately so far I have had tremendous support from my fellow coaches.
"The key to our success is the support we receive from a strong grassroots football club, the admin team, social media, club directors and volunteers.
"The highlight for many of the players is the thrill of going to watch the first team, and the club are endeavouring to make this a regular event, which is fantastic.”
Club vice-chairman, Andy Bullingham, added: “As a community football club it is essential that we offer a football solution that is all-inclusive. This has to encompass men, women, boys, girls and pan-disability teams.
“This represents part of our diversity and inclusion ethos and therefore means that The FA class us at the highest level possible as a Charter Standard Level 3 club.
“This in turn brings benefits to the club with support from our County FA with coaching and development, alongside our ability to access funding for projects and development of our ground and training facilities through The Football Foundation.”
The Black Country club have been supported by the Football Supporters Association and their Fans For Diversity campaign in this initiative.
If your club is leading the way in your community, please get in touch with the Southern League Diversity Director, Stephen Hyde, via the details below.
For all ED&I communications relating to the Southern League, and to share your story for publication here on the website, please email: sfl.diversity@gmail.com SEND EMAIL
IMAGE: Anthony Dunn
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