Burnley FC in the Community (BFCitC) was proud to host the Premier League Disability Football Festival at Soccer Burnley last week. Welcoming teams from up and down the country for a day of brilliant football, big smiles and an atmosphere to remember.
Held on Wednesday 8th July, the festival brought together 190 children from 23 different Football Club Charities for a day of inclusive football.
Harry Pate, Youth Engagement Manager at BFCitC, said:
“It was great to host the Premier League Disability Festival North Region on Wednesday 8th July, seeing all the planning and organising come together and provide a wonderful experience for the young people in attendance. We welcomed 190 children from across 23 different Football Club Charities, so to see many smiling and happy faces was a great pleasure to see and made all the hard work worthwhile.
“Despite the hot weather all attending clubs and players had a great time, a huge congratulations to our two winning teams, Everton (U11s Category) and Wolves (14-16 Category).”
A Day Built on Inclusion
The festival gave young people from across the country the chance to build confidence, develop new skills and enjoy the game they love. All in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment. Creating opportunities for those with Special Educational Needs, impairments, sensory needs or physical disabilities to play their part. That’s what this event has always been about and yesterday it showed in every match played.
From kick-off to full-time, every team gave it their all. The standard of football was fantastic, but it was the effort, sportsmanship and pure enjoyment on display that made the day so special. Soccer Burnley was buzzing from start to finish, with players, coaches, staff and volunteers all coming together to celebrate what disability football is really about. Opportunity, belonging and fun.
Congratulations to the Winners
A huge congratulations to Everton and Wolves, who were crowned winners on the day. Both teams were outstanding and their success is a brilliant reflection of the hard work put in by players and coaches.
Proud of Burnley
We also want to give a special shout out to our own Burnley team, who represented the Clarets superbly throughout the festival. You played brilliantly, showed fantastic team spirit and made everyone at BFCitC incredibly proud. Well done to every single one of you.
Championing Disability Football Across the Community
A Big Thank You
Thank you to every team who travelled to Burnley and joined us on the day. Your energy, sportsmanship and enthusiasm made this festival the success it was.
And finally, none of this would have been possible without the dedication of our BFCitC staff and volunteers. They worked tirelessly behind the scenes and out on the pitch to make sure the day ran smoothly and that every young person had an experience to remember. Thank you to everyone who got involved, gave their time and helped create such a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere.
