The Leeds United Foundation are pleased to announce the launch of two new disability programmes for young people in the local community through the support of the Leeds Community Foundation and Jimbo’s Fund.

The new initiatives, entitled; United Teens and United Twenties, are open to youngsters aged between 12 and 24 that are suffering with a disability now.

The two-hour weekly sessions take place every Friday evening, allowing  children and young people who have a physical or learning disability, including cerebral palsy and autism to come along and have some fun whilst also learning new skills.

Dubbed ‘social clubs’ the sessions for each group provide youngsters with varying disabilities the chance to meet on a regular basis to enjoy a number of different activities and learn new skills. Those who take part in the sessions will also play a role in deciding what activities to plan, helping them to develop, improve engagement levels and become more independent.

The two new programmes will be delivered from the Ramgarhia Sikh Sports Centre (LS7 3AP), with United Teens (12- to 17-year-olds) taking place from 4pm to 6pm and United Twenties (18- to 24-year-olds) taking place from 6.30pm to 8.30pm – and each session will encourage participants to make new friends and try new hobbies all whilst having fun.

Some of the things that will be involved in the sessions include arts and crafts, sports and fitness sessions, teamwork activities, life skills, discussions around healthy eating and hygiene, confidence skills workshops, and sessions around budgeting and finance.

There will also be guest speakers invited to attend sessions over the next year from local organisations in Leeds, including staff from the Leeds United Foundation and Leeds United Football Club – along with surprise visits from Lucas the Kop Cat.

Please note that all coaches from the Leeds United Foundation are FA licensed, DBS checked and first aid trained.

If you would like more information on the disability programmes delivered by coaches from the club’s official charity or would like to register interest in attending these sessions, please contact our Disability Sports Officer via email Anthony.Hall@leedsunited.com.