The Albion Foundation hosted the Sandwell Inclusion Open Cup last Sunday, an invigorating friendly competition open to a variety of disabilities and learning difficulties.
25 teams participated in the event at the Baggies’ Academy site, spanning under-12 and under-16’s age categories and a variety of regions across the United Kingdom including Gloucestershire, Warwickshire and central Wales.
The Albion Foundation’s head of wellbeing Paul Glover believes the event, which is a book end for the Sandwell Inclusion League, “creates opportunities” for many.
“Teams bring them along to play football in a fun and engaging environment,” Glover said. “It means they can experience football in the way everybody else does.
“If we can do it at this age, the hope is we can keep them for adult level too and they get those long-term physical and mental benefits. We’ve seen lots of smiles from everyone.
“It’s been really good actually, we’re lucky to have the Dome for the day. It allows us to reach more people and it’s been really engaging.
“We’ve had lots of smiles, lots of success, lots of cheering – the parents have enjoyed it as well. It’s been a really positive day.”
Two Albion sides ran out victors across the two age categories, with WBA securing an under-12’s trophy and WBA Baggies triumphing in one of the under-16’s sections.
Ryan Kimberley, disability football development officer at the Birmingham County Football Association, attended the day and lauded praise on a “successful” opportunity for disability sport.
“Today’s been a fantastic event,” Kimberley said. “I think it’s a great facility to play in for the young player.
“They’ve got the opportunity to play inside and out on a quality facility that West Bromwich Albion have. We’ve received very positive feedback.
“It’s been such a successful day, West Bromwich Albion have hosted it very well. It’s very impactive that everyone can come together and make such a positive competition.
“We host league fixtures monthly. It’s a nice way to end off league campaigns to ensure they all get to play one more game before the summer.
“Everyone’s got a smile on their face, especially the under-12’s division. Even if they’re getting beaten comfortably they’ve got a smile on their face.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for them and this is their highlight of their month. When they get to put their kit on and play their football they enjoy it a lot.”
The event involved around 250 participants who contributed to a bustling competitive atmosphere both in the Academy Dome and the pitches outside.
For West Brom under-16’s player Matthew, playing against a variety of teams is one of the most exciting things about playing in the Inclusion League and its end-of-season cup competition.
“It’s been fantastic,” Matthew said. “The thrill of going up against teams not just from our league but from other leagues is really nice.
“We feel that rush when we’re playing. It’s nice that people from outside different schools can build that bond together.
“I find it hard to meet new people but my team have helped me to conquer that. I’m able to meet new people not just from my team but from other one’s too
“It’s a very friendly competition with lots of different people and that’s a great thing about it.”
“Everyone’s so positive,” Albion under-16’s player Joey added. “If you’re down, your teammates push you back up and that’s amazing.
“It’s very competitive, all of the games are. The games are physical, everyone wants to win and it can be tense at time.
“Winning really motivates everybody. The more on offer the more everybody wants to win.
“I have made lots of friends in my team. I’d say they’re all my mates, we’re all together with each other.”
For further information about the Sandwell Inclusion League, please contact Paul Glover at paul.glover@albionfoundation.co.uk.