With today (Thursday 3 December) marking International Day of People with Disabilities, Birmingham County FA would like to shine a light on the fantastic work taking place at Midlands Down’s Syndrome FC in Redditch, who won our Club of the Year Award for 2020.

Providing opportunities for children and adults with Down’s Syndrome, Midlands Down’s Syndrome FC run sessions that are inclusive for all and look to involve siblings and parents where possible. 

Starting off three years ago with three members, Midlands Down’s Syndrome now have a cohort of 14 players who, without the club, would not get the opportunity they have to play within a PAN Disability set-up.

With members from Redditch, Halesowen, Earlswood, Bartley Green, Solihull, Kings Norton, Bromsgrove (Worcs) and Kingswinford, the club not only develop football skills of players, but also focus on the social and psychological aspects of the game, making players more confident and improving their health. 

As one of the only clubs to offer bespoke sessions to players with Down’s Syndrome in the Midlands, Midlands Down’s Syndrome are pioneers and are leading the way to create the first FA affiliated Down’s Syndrome League. 

Jasbir Batt, Disability Football Development Officer at Birmingham County FA and a coach with Midlands Down’s Syndrome FC, said: “We try to make it player-focussed by letting them make the decisions. For example, design your kit, pick your Christmas party, or organise the sessions with the coach’s support. This helps to develop the players away from football, giving them more opportunities and empowering them.”

You can find out more about Midlands Down’s Syndrome FC by visiting their Facebook page here.

For more information on disability football in the county, please visit https://www.birminghamfa.com/players/disability