The Leeds United Foundation welcomed members of its Pan-Disability football team to Thorp Arch for a special training session to mark National Inclusion Week, with first-team players Alex Cairns, Michael Zetterer and Tarik Muharemović joining in the fun.
The event provided a chance for the young participants to spend time with members of the squad, as they took part in a series of football challenges alongside their heroes before putting some questions to the players during an entertaining Q&A session.
National Inclusion Week takes place from Monday 14th September to Sunday 20th September, and offers an opportunity to celebrate inclusion whilst raising awareness around the actions that make it a reality. It is especially important that not only during this week we consider respect, fair access and opportunities, safety, a sense of belonging, recognition of individual needs and celebrating those things that make us different.
Coaches from the club’s official charity were on hand to host the exclusive session at Thorp Arch, with the youngsters and first-teamers going head-to-head in a variety of activities that put their skills to the test, giving the participants the chance to showcase their talents but also the difficulties they can face.
The visit formed part of the Foundation’s ongoing work in creating more opportunities for young people with disabilities whilst continuing to promote inclusion in football, with its Pan-Disability sessions designed to ensure children of all abilities can enjoy the game in a welcoming, safe and supportive environment.
Speaking about the importance of National Inclusion Week, Leeds United Foundation coach Sophie Dales said: “We have been here with the club’s official charity today with some members of our Pan-Disability team to meet a few of the players, and they've absolutely loved it.
“Our disability sessions are inclusive to all, and the idea of the sessions is to provide a safe, fun environment for children to thrive and develop. We want to continue growing our disability programme, giving children and adults the chance to play the game we all love.”
For the participants, the opportunity to meet the first-team players provided a memorable experience, with goalkeeper Alex Cairns enjoying the chance to get involved and share a few laughs with the group. He said: “The young chaps that came were all brilliant, we did a penalty shootout, which I coached, and wasn't in goal for, thankfully! I did concede twice in the small-sided game we played at the end though, which wasn't ideal for me, but it put a smile on their faces, and we were all laughing and joking. So, it's been a really nice day.”
The training session also offered the Foundation participants the chance to hear directly from the players who represent the club at the highest level, while giving Cairns, Zetterer and Muharemović an insight into the work being carried out across the wider Leeds community.
“Leeds United is a family and for the new signings, it's important that they get to see this side of the clyb and get to see everyone around the Leeds United community,” Cairns added on the special connection between community and players.
Through initiatives such as its Pan-Disability football sessions, the Leeds United Foundation continues to use the power of football to create opportunities for young people to develop their skills, build confidence and enjoy sport.
