Local football club launches Wellingborough Town Limitless disability football programme

Wellingborough Town Comets hopes to be a safe space for disabled children aged five to 11 to kickstart their journey into football, offering sessions that are inclusive for all, bringing the sport to those who may previously have been unable to join in.

Cllr Victor James (Croyland ward, Lab) said: “During my meeting with the founder, Steven Beasley, who is also a youth session coach, he assured me that this will be a legacy that will serve the community.

"It aims not just at the health benefit of sport but also to help build the confidence of people with disabilities and combat anxiety and depression to ensure no young person is left behind in sports. The aim is to empower SEND children to have an 'I can do' attitude in sport.

“Steven has assured me that there will be an opportunity for members to replace their worn boots cheaply through a company that has promised to support this programme.

"In addition, Steven and the rest of the coach will be using pictures as a form of communication alongside verbal communication to promote effective communications, and there will be varieties of balls, such as soft balls and leather balls, to promote comfort.

"Comets offers a new, flexible and inclusive way of playing, one that’s all about playfulness, friendships and having fun. More than anything, Comets is football that breaks the old rules and replaces them with a brand new one - just be you.”

The initiative begins on April 14, with sessions taking place every Tuesday from 6pm until 7pm at Wellingborough School in London Road. The club will look to add a programme for children aged 12 to 16 ‘in the near future.’

The first month is free for participants and members, and coaches at the club have received extensive training to support players with additional needs to ensure the sessions are as inclusive as possible. After the first month, the club costs £3 per weekly session or £10 monthly.

Safety measures, such as a special room available for self-regulating if anyone needs some space, will be offered.

More information about the club can be found by contacting Steven Beasley at [email protected].