Learning Disability Programme

Josh Henderson, one of the coaches who takes the group said:

“What we have on today is our learning disability group playing on the astro here outside McDiarmid Park where they come every Thursday morning. One of the Community Trust’s key objectives is to promote equality and inclusion through football.

We aim to take away any barriers to participating in sport whilst also improving accessibility. For me, it’s one of the most rewarding projects we have - I always leave with a smile on my face.

I can see the benefit it brings to the players. They’re always excited to take part and demonstrate that the sport is for everyone, which is a huge bonus. They’re always asking when’s the next session and the next time they can play – it’s great! The group come along with a smile and play football like it should be played, with no barriers to stop them.

Last year, Saints in the Community won the Scottish FA East Region’s ‘Best Para-Football Project’ which we are all really proud of. The guys here today have all seen the award and had their photos taken with it. They’re all so happy to have been part of winning the award and without their enthusiasm it couldn’t have happened.”

(Josh, one of the coaches and Wendy, a support worker)

Wendy Marmion, one of the support workers says the project has been a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved:

“This project means absolutely everything to the adults I support. It gives them the chance to do something they enjoy. It’s amazing for their mental health, fitness, and socialising. You can see how much everyone loves it; it really is a fantastic project.

When the guys first started it was a bit like herding cats with everyone being a bit of a glory hunter! Now they all work as a team, they look for passes and want to get everyone involved. They’re working together a lot more now and you can really see how far everyone has come since the project started.”

This project is part of the wider Community Trust programme, Saints Academy INclusion Through Sport (SAINTS). Through a variety of sporting opportunities, Saints in the Community work with a range of local organisations to create opportunities for those who all too often experience disadvantage. These support activities reach out to adults with mental health struggles, adults with learning disabilities, and support for local students with additional support needs.

Sport, and football in particular, is for everyone.