Football for All is very much high on the agenda in North West Leicestershire Schools. Partnership Development Manager Rachel Harrison is the driving force behind the Primary Schools Inclusive Football Festival, which is to be held at Heather St. Johns Football Club on Tuesday 11^th November from 9.30 am – 11.45 pm. Heather St. Johns FC is very keen to offer football coaching to players with special needs or impairments as an integral part of their Club. The football festival for primary schools within the area, will give a taste of the opportunity, which will be available shortly, to be part of the very well organised and professional set-up within Heather St. Johns Football Club, who received the prestigious Football Association Charter Standard Community Football Club Status in 2007.

Coaching staff from the Club, working alongside local community coaches and the Leicestershire & Rutland County FA, will deliver fun and fundamental football skills, with of course the all important fun matches to finish the morning, ensuring the youngsters have a brilliant time and want to become part of their Local FA Charter Standard Club.

The Football Association is working in all areas of Leicestershire & Rutland to increase the number of Inclusive Football Clubs giving  opportunities for ‘All’ players to participate in football and have great fun whilst playing our national game. There is   a network of Charter Standard Clubs and a Tesco FA Inclusive Skills Centre, already providing opportunities for males, females, youngsters and adults alike who have a special need, impairment or disability, who want to train and also play football regularly. County League festivals are held between the local Clubs throughout the season with the emphasis being on fair play, respect and ensuring a fun and positive experience for all involved. Being part of a Club really increases the self esteem and personal development of players from football, physical and social viewpoints. The volunteer coaching and support staff within the Clubs, who hold Football Association qualifications,  show tremendous  commitment and dedication to this area of grass roots football.

If you know of any adult, youngster, male or female who would love to play football regularly, and be a member of a their Local Charter Standard Inclusive Football Club in the Leicestershire & Rutland area, there are many opportunities available, so please contact Mary Rudkin at the Leicestershire & Rutland County FA:

Telephone 0116 2844952 Email: mary.rudkin@leicestershirefa.com

Saturday 25^th October 2008

Midland Combination Premier

Cadbury Athletic 2 Heather St Johns 1 

The Saints travelled to Kings Norton hoping to extend their five game unbeaten run against a Cadbury Athletic side who after a slow start have themselves strung together some impressive results.

The home side who base their game on work rate and endeavour were quick out of the blocks and were unlucky not to take an early lead when striker Ainge headed an inswinging corner over the Heather bar from close range. However, the Saints weathered the early pressure and eased into the game with Jon Jenkinson making a couple of surging runs down the right flank after good work from Gavin Pugh and Danny Martin.

Lee Taylorson won the ball in midfield and drove deep into Cadbury territory. His pass found Royce Turville who in turn played the ball between the central defender and left back for Roy Dunkley who saw his shot blocked by a good recovering tackle.

Sam Johnson broke up a Cadbury attack and played the ball up to Taylorson  who after a slick interchange of passing with Martin and Jenkinson put Chris Dodds through and he drove a low shot inches past the far post.

It was the Saints who were playing the tidier football in very blustery conditions but it was the home side who took the lead on the stroke of half time against the run of play. As Mario Kyriacou shepherded a harmless looking through ball back to keeper Tom Gutteridge the Saints stopper inexplicably spilt the ball in front of an astonished  Cadbury striker who finished from an acute angle.

Heather started the second half at a sharpe tempo and it was no surprise when Turville broke down the right flank and his pinpoint cross was flicked in by Dunkley.

The game began to open up as both sides struggled to get a firm grip but on a raid down Heather’s right flank a dangerous ball was played across the box. The danger seemed to have passed as it eluded the Cadbury forwards but the Saints failed to stop the second cross from the left and an advancing Cadbury midfielder arrived to head home from six yards.

Turville had a chance to equalise in the closing stages but some valiant defending from the home defence saw Cadbury hold out for a deserved victory as Heather’s inconsistent form continued.  

The Saints are back at St John’s Park in the League this coming Saturday against Knowle kick off 3pm.