The Falkirk Football Community Foundation is proud to announce that our Down’s Syndrome Football Group has been awarded the SFA Regional ‘Football for All Award’. This recognition celebrates our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and excellence in providing football opportunities for children with Down’s Syndrome.
As one of the first football clubs in Scotland to offer dedicated sessions for children with Down’s Syndrome, our partnership with Down’s Syndrome Scotland has been pivotal. Through meticulous planning and specialised training for our coaches, we have ensured that each session is tailored to provide the best possible experience for our participants.
Every Monday evening, the Falkirk Stadium comes alive with the enthusiasm and smiles of our participants. Fully funded by the UEFA Foundation for Children, these sessions focus not only on football skills but also on fostering social interaction, confidence, and physical fitness. The joy and dedication of the children are truly inspiring.
This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our coaches, volunteers, and families. Their collective effort has created a supportive and empowering environment that allows the children to thrive. We are immensely proud of the success of this programme and the positive impact it has had on our community.
Down’s Syndrome Scotland stated:
“We were delighted to be approached by the Foundation to help support them in starting a group for primary aged children with Down’s syndrome. There can often be barriers to accessing sports and it’s great to see those being broken down. I delivered training to the coaches who were all engaged and keen to learn everything they could to help the sessions be a success. It’s been great to see the children and the coaching staff grow in confidence week on week. It would be great to see replicated across the country.”
With this recognition, we are more committed than ever to spreading awareness about Down’s Syndrome and inspiring other clubs to offer similar programmes. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from football, and we hope to provide more inclusive initiatives in the future.
A parent of a participant stated, “Our daughter Caitlin loves coming to the football sessions every Monday, and always has great fun while learning new skills. The coaches are great with the kids, tailoring things to their level and keeping them all engaged. Caitlin loves having fun with them and all her new friends. It’s also a great chance for us parents to have a chat about our kids and their challenges/successes. Thanks to all involved.”
As we celebrate this incredible achievement, we are already looking ahead to the future. Our goal is to continue expanding and improving our programme, reaching more children and families. We are grateful for the support of the UEFA Foundation for Children and Down’s Syndrome Scotland, and we look forward to many more successful sessions.
Derek Allison CEO, Falkirk Foundation stated “We are thrilled that this outstanding programme has received recognition as we continue our efforts to make football accessible to everyone. Our partnership with Down’s Syndrome Scotland and the specialised training they provided enable our team to customise the experience to meet the unique needs of the young participants. A huge thanks to the UEFA Foundation for children for their support and funding”
Congratulations to everyone involved in this wonderful group. Together, we are making a difference and setting a new standard for inclusive football programmes across the nation.
