A football coach is about to take on the FA in an attempt to secure support for an adult disability league in Kent.
At present, youngsters with disabilities can play football in the Kent Junior PAN Disability League up to the age of 16, but this is where it ends.
There is no competitive league after the age of 16 for those with disabilities, but this could all change if Maidstone Raiders coach John Harvey gets his way.
Harvey has been gathering support around the county for an adult disability league for Kent and is due to give a presentation to the FA in Soho Square on his plans on December 12.
Harvey said: “For me, setting up of the adult section of PAN disability football is a very important structure. It is not a question of if, but when it will definitely be set up in my eyes.
“I think all nine teams in the junior set-up will compete in the adult section. We also hope to introduce a seven-a-side or nine-a-side game instead of the five-a-side version currently used for the youth.”
Last season under the guidance of Harvey and his team of volunteers, Raiders under-16s were Kent League champions, beating Charlton Athletic and Chelsea in the process.
Most of the members of this side have now reached the age where they are too old to play at this level. With no adult league in the county, his players can no longer continue playing competitively.
The club has come a long way and in 2005, Harvey was recognised for his efforts in promoting disabled football in Maidstone, when he was awarded the FA administrator-of-the-year award.
Harvey hopes adults will be given an opportunity to compete in a Kent Adult Disability League this time next year.
He said: “The under-16s will be delighted they can carry on playing football when the adult section is set up. Playing in the adult league will be a different ethos to what they are used to. The players will be playing in a much more professional environment.”
POSTED: 12/11/2007 10:27:36
Bookmark with:
Email to a friend: