June 29, 2023
Last week, Wigan Athletic Community Trust ran a Festival of Football at Stadium Way for 13 Primary Schools from across the Borough.
In partnership with School Games, the Just Join In event involved youngsters of all abilities taking part in different activities, ran by Latics' Football and Education students, to help them improve their skills and gain confidence when playing the game, and ended with a few friendly matches between the teams.
Speaking at the event, Disability Football and Sports Officer, Robyn Jepson said,
“It's very important [to have these events] because it gives them an opportunity to play sports and increases their sense of social and emotional skills.
“I work in a few schools that have come today and some of the young people that I've met never wanted to join in at first, but since coming to events like this, they'll join in straight away now.
“It's definitely impacted their confidence and increased it.”
Alongside events like this and our work within schools, Wigan Athletic Community Trust run weekly football sessions for both adults and children with disabilities through the Every Player Counts programme, where people of all ages and abilities can get involved in regular football sessions in a fun, safe and inclusive environment.
To find out more about the Every Player Counts programme or our work in schools, please email Disability Football and Sports Officer, Robyn Jepson, at r.jepson@wiganathletic.com or calling our Community Trust office on 01942 318090.
By Wigan Athletic
