THE AFC Melksham Ability Counts football team is inviting new members and sponsors to join them.
The football team, for players with learning and physical disabilities, has been playing in the town since it was formed in 2013. There are two teams – an under 16s team and an adults team.
AFC Melksham Ability Counts relies on funding from grants from local authorities and donations from the community. “To date, local councils and residents have never failed this deserving area of the community,” said chairman Mike Rogers.
The teams train every Wednesday at the Bowerhill sports field, Westinghouse Way between 5.30pm and 6.30pm. In the winter months the teams train at Melksham Oak School’s gym (5pm to 6pm).
Mike told Melksham News, “There are new sporting facilities being built across the county, all with disabled access, but there is still nowhere for people living with learning and physical disabilities to play football.
“AFC Melksham gives people the opportunity to play a team sport with their peers – both in a friendly capacity and at a competitive level in the Wiltshire FA Ability Counts league.
“The team helps players to gain confidence, and make new friends – friends who might have the same or similar disability, or someone who can relate to problems that they might be having.
“Parents and carers also come each week and they get the opportunity to have a break, chat to others in a similar situation and build friendships.
“Many of our players who have moved on – to start work, or go to university – see AFC Melksham as their home and will often come back to visit.
“The team has such a positive impact on everyone involved. The coaches are all volunteers – they could be elsewhere earning money, but they do this every week for free.”
Explaining the history of the team, Mike said, “The Melksham team was started in February 2013 and was the idea of the management team of the successful Chippenham Sunday league side.
“The team of myself, Brian (Taff) Evans, Patrick Johnstone and Jean Evans stepped forward and weekly coaching started. Taff and Pat, both qualified coaches, led the team and Jean was the welfare officer.
“The group grew week on week and by season 2014/2015 AFC Melksham won the newly-formed Wiltshire FA Ability Counts league Under 16 and Over 16.
“In 2016 they won Wiltshire Council’s ‘most inclusive club’ award – a fantastic accolade.
“Six years on, the weekly club is still going strong. Taff has retired from manager and Pat has the reins. Taff qualified as a Wiltshire FA welfare officer and he and Jean are both honorary presidents. I remain chairman and find funding, and Gary Abrey is going through the Wiltshire FA first aid course this summer.”
Anyone interested in playing or sponsoring the team, contact Mike Rogers on 07578 335161.
