Submitted on
Thursday 14 April 2011
by
Jackie Newing
MK Dons’ game against Huddersfield Town on Friday 22nd April has been designated as the club’s first ‘Ability Counts’ Big Day which aims to promote our facilities to current and new disabled supporters as well as highlighting the fantastic achievements of the MK Dons Sport and Education Trust’s Disability Teams and encouraging new disabled players to ‘Come and Try’ taster sessions.
Dennis Woolford, the SET’s Social Inclusion Manager, has emphasised that by playing football, many disabled people have gone on to bigger and better things: “Disability football has also been instrumental in giving players the confidence to apply for further education, volunteering and full and part time work.”
The Huddersfield game kicks off at 3pm and will see a half-time parade from MK Dons disability teams and one from Huddersfield together with a video on the stadium’s big screen showing how football can be enjoyed by all.
The disability teams and a number of our disabled supporters will also be providing the Guard of Honour for the players pre-match.
Prior to the game, Special Olympics GB will be holding the National Unified Football Tournament which will take place at Woughton-on-the-Green from 10am until 2pm.
There are three ‘Come and Try’ disability football sessions on Thursday April 21, Thursday April 28 and Thursday May 5. Contact Karl White in the SET on 01908 622938 for further information about what training times and group might suit you.
Central midfielder and MK Dons star, Peter Leven is the Ambassador for this initiative and he has backed the idea wholeheartedly: “I have always enjoyed a close relationship with our supporters and hope to continue this as our fanbase grows. With fantastic disabled facilities, this week is a great opportunity to show everybody what we can offer.”
Disabled season ticket holders and members have been invited to attend a tour of the stadium and forum with Pete Winkelman, Karl Robinson, a first team player among others on Thursday 14th April starting from 4.30pm.
The forum, which starts at 6.45pm in Red Dot Bar, will also be open to anybody registered disabled. Carers and family are also very welcome.
Please contact the Box Office on 01908 622900 if you would like to attend the forum or buy tickets for the MK Dons vs Huddersfield game.
Please contact Sarah Thompson on 01908 622971 for more details about the Ability Counts Week itself.