AFC Melksham Ability Counts Football Club have been awarded the title of ‘Most Inclusive Club of the Year’ at the Wiltshire Sports Awards.
The community football team caters for footballers that have a range of learning and physical disabilities. As a club, inclusion for all is of paramount importance. The club has a range of training sessions, which they tailor to the level and ability of their players.
The award was came at an event that recognised the exceptional Athletes, sports clubs, volunteers and coaches across Wiltshire. The prestigious event, hosted by former England rugby captain Phil de Glanville, saw a display from Wiltshire Martial Arts before the winners were announced.
Along with the 12 awards handed out, ten Funding Future Olympians and Paralympians Sports Scholarship grants of £500 well presented to talented young sports stars aged between eight and 16 years old, from across Wiltshire to support them on their sports journey.
This includes Melksham teenager Maxwell Harding who competes in archery. He is 15 years old and his results have included first at the Junior Nationals, first in his age group at the Regional finals (Cornwall/Devon/Dorset /Wiltshire/ Somerset/Gloucestershire counties) and first in the Open Dorset and Wiltshire annual County finals. Maxwell has achieved his Junior Master Bowman for the second year running, which puts him in the top 4% of archers in the country and is a member of the Archery GB Talent Development Squad.
Mike Rogers from AFC Melksham said, “All of the management ,coaches ,support team (all unpaid volunteers) plus parents are so proud of this award .
“AFC have also supported initiatives in disabled football across Wiltshire ,at Trowbridge ,Fairfield Farm College at Westbury, Chippenham Town Ability Counts and with the Wilts FA development officer 16 weeks of coaching and facility hire in Swindon.On top of that we have purchased kits and equipment to grow disabled football in the county.”
Jane Scott, Wiltshire Council Leader, said: “It was lovely to meet so many people who are involved in sport at this special ceremony. It showcases the exceptional talent and hard work of athletes and the dedication of sports clubs, volunteers and coaches. I am sure people will find them an inspiration.
“We hope that many more people will be enthused by the sports and activities we have on offer and get involved in as many as possible”.
