Why football should be and can be for everyone in Sheffield

Sheffield FCDT (Sheffield F.C. Disability Team) was formed in 2017 and describes itself as the ‘newest and most progressive part of the worlds first football club’.

It promotes integrity, respect and community through participation in football.

Peter Donohoe, 48, is the chairman of Sheffield FCDT and believes not many other clubs offer what they do.

He said: “There are thousands of kids that are disabled or have special needs. For those in mainstream school, only a small percentage can play football.

“We want to give the same opportunities as able bodied kids.

“It’s not only about getting a child active and playing, it’s also a break for the parents.”

Peter, whose son plays in the under 12s group at Sheffield FCDT, suggested that some kids are not that sociable and getting them involved with football is a chance for them to feel part of something.

He explained: “Any engagement with groups of people, socialising, being part of a team, learning to play with other people, kids’ tolerance of other people, is massive.

“The biggest problem will be our kids and their interaction with other people.

“Society is not always going to treat them fairly.

“The way I feel, with my own son, it was massive for him feeling part of a team.”

Sheffield FCDT is open to all, regardless of ability or disability, and every player is guaranteed game time.

Having ADHD, autism, cerebral palsy and learning difficulties is irrelevant as it is a club that has a strong focus on inclusion, not results.

There are a range of children’s teams such as an under 16s group and an under 12s group.

On the other hand, there is an adult disability team includes juniors that have progressed into adult league players.

Staff support individuals in developing as people as well as players.

Starting as a small group of children, there are now currently about 60 players at Sheffield FCDT, who are both adults and children.

They regularly attend weekly training sessions - on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Saturdays - which are led by qualified coaches.

Sheffield FCDT has become increasingly popular and they are almost at capacity.

Anyone wanting to join now is most likely required to join a waiting list.

The main reason is down to a need for more coaches.

Peter said: “A few parents have been on the training program but it is not enough.”

He is encouraging more parents to get involved but welcomes anyone with an interest who may want to gain a qualification to become a coach.

Sheffield FCDT believe that many children have benefitted from playing football - both physically and socially - whether in a non competitive sense or not.

Peter suggests that those who may be a bit apprehensive about joining the club can come and try a training session to get a feel for it.

They are welcome to speak to him, a member of the committee or one of the parents, as their goal is giving children and adults the opportunity to play football.

Despite working in marketing and promoting Sheffield FCDT on social media, flyers and posters in SEN schools, Peter told how ‘many people don’t know we are out there’.

He believes if more people knew about Sheffield FCDT and what they do, it would encourage other clubs in the area to create their own disability clubs.

Peter is keen to use his own experience to help other teams do this.

He said: “We want other clubs in the area and district to create their own disability clubs. This would mean that we could have more competitions. It would also create room for more kids to get involved.”

There are many upcoming events planned for Sheffield FCDT.

Sheffield Hallam junior league are due to play on their home pitch at Hillsborough college soon, for example.

Next season, there will also be teams in premiership, championship and league one divisions.

Anyone who is interested in getting involved with football, or is a parent wanting to become a coach, can contact Sheffield FCDT or Peter directly.

See: https://sheffieldfc.com/club/contact-us/

To contact Peter directly, send an email to: [email protected]