Keep up-to-date on the latest activities in Disability Football on twitter @scottishfa_dis

Grassroots football’s support for Disability Football is growing in Scotland with Claremont AFC becoming the latest Scottish FA ‘Scotland United: Disability Club’.

The club – based in South Lanarkshire and Scottish FA Quality Mark accredited – have established a Disability section to allow High School children with a disability to access football opportunities.

David McArdle, Scottish FA disability development officer, said: “The development of Disability Football in Scotland is a major focus of the Association.

“Claremont AFC are a fantastic example for other clubs wishing to develop their disability football sections.

“This is an exciting time for Disability Football in Scotland with more opportunities than ever for people to play football.”

Since the new section was created, 20 players are playing on a regular basis.

The club, already a Scotland United Disability Inclusive Club, are taking part alongside other Scotland United Disability Clubs at the Stirling City All Stars Championship later this year.

For the first time, they will enter the Scottish Disability Sport / Scottish FA National 5-a-side Championship for players with a Learning Disability.

Claremont AFC member Harry Beattie said: "The Club are delighted with the success of the Colts team; from
their start a number of people have put in a lot of effort to ensure the success and enjoyment of the players.

"The players thouroughly enjoy coming to the coaching sessions and have shown great development in honing their
skills and ability, we have worked to kit them out in the same way as all the other 17 teams within the Club and this has brought them together with identity and recognised as Club members.

"We have participated in a few tournaments with great enjoyment and are looking to set up our own tournament and invite teams from around the country.

"We have secured some financial support and with great help of the Scottish FA disability Officerwho has given fine direction and assistance, we aim to continue to grow in numbers, strength, knowledge and ability to maintain  high standards following the Player Pathway."
 

Quality Mark is a prestigious seal of recognition for such things as the level of coaching, governance and youth development within the club. There are three levels – development, community and legacy which are all indicators of the level of quality the club has.

If you wish to find out more information on Disability Football in Scotland, please contact David.McArdle@Scottishfa.co.uk