Over the last two years the Scottish FA has been working in partnership with Lothian Disability Sport, Local Authorities and Active School teams to increase football opportunities for pupils with a disability in the East of Scotland.
We have successfully piloted and run a school league specifically for pupils with a disability, and now we are delighted to announce that Hibernian Community Foundation, the charitable arm of Hibernian Football Club, will support the running of the 2010/11 league.
Every school that enters the league and commits to all fixtures will receive 15 free match day tickets to see a Hibernian FC Scottish Premier League home game at Easter Road.
In addition, schools will be given a training pack consisting of footballs, training bibs and markers. If this wasn’t enough, the first school league fixture will be played at Hibernian FC’s Training Centre. The Hibernian manager will also present the trophies at the final league fixture.
Gary Fraser, Scottish Disability Sport Regional Manager said:
“This is a truly exciting initiative that will give pupils with a disability the opportunity to play for a school team in a suitable environment.
"Over the past couple of years, the school league has grown in stature and popularity, however, with the support of Hibernian Community Foundation we hope that even more schools want to get involved. This project represents strong partnership working between the Scottish FA, Lothian Disability Sport, Local Authorities, Active School teams and now the Hibernian Community Foundation."
The league is open to S3-S6 pupils, with a learning disability or an ambulant physical disability, from the Scottish FA South East region. The project will provide a unique opportunity and will also coincide with the recently rolled out Soccer One programme, aimed at pupils with additional support needs.
For more information, please contact Gary Fraser, Scottish Disability Sport Regional Manager on 01875 619 070 or gfraser1@eastlothian.gov.uk