On Saturday prior to the Wigan game, we organised through SOCCER SIGHT an open day for the visually impared. We gave them an hour coaching session on the pitch at lunchtime and then organised a friendly match on the 5 a side court. The players then stayed for the match and listened to live match commentary through some headphones that we provided and set up. At half-time, one player scored some goals in front of the crowd to complete his special day. For those at the game, they may not have realised but the two coaches stood on either post, were tapping them so that he knew where the goal was, and the football had special ball bearings inside so he knew where the football was. This was unbelievable, the players were so amazing to work with I am not sure I will ever go away from a coaching session with such a tremendous feeling. At the end of the game, as most supporters had left the ground, all the Halifax Town and Wigan Athletic players remained pitchside to sign autographs for these players. They went away from the club extremely impressed with the day and the co-ordinator from Soccer Sight UK who operates similar sessions with 20 league clubs commented on the huge success and was hopeful of having similar days with Shay Stadium Community Football.

 

We are having huge numbers attending our Summer schools as we now expect. We have 50+ children every day of the summer holidays and I would have thought that numbers will continue to increase. Once again, they are having a great time, and children are coming back to the Shay regularly. As time progresses, we can increase the interest of these children and turn them into supporters as they get older. There are spaces still available so download the Summer Holiday Courses form from this site and get booked on, or give me a call and turn up on the day.

 

Hope you are all having a good summer and are as excited about the coming season as much as we are at the Shay Stadium Community Football.

 

See you soon

 

Lee Ashforth