Club Doncaster Foundation & Club Doncaster Titans come together to deliver successful disability football tournament at the Eco-Power Stadium

30 teams were in attendance at the recent U12's & U16's disability football tournament, held at the Eco-Power Stadium, between the Foundation and Club Doncaster Titans.

The annual event sees teams from across the country, including a number of CCO (Club Community Organisations), come together to play competitive football outside of their own clubs, with the chance to take home one of the trophies from the event.

With two leagues across each age group, there were plenty of games, in what was a jam-packed Sunday for those in attendance. 

Both the U12’s and U16’s groups were further split into both a Championship and Premiership league style table, with teams competing to make it through the group stages, quarters, semis, with the aim of playing in the final. 

After reaching the final, 4 teams came out on top. South Tyneside were the winners of the U16’s Premiership league, Mansfield the winners of the U12’s Premiership and Barton won the double with both their U12’s and U16’s teams winning their respective Championship leagues.  

The tournament was kindly sponsored by local business, Solar 365, who attended during the morning group stages. They spoke with participants from the Titan’s teams and took in some of the football on display.

Rich Harford, Sports Development Officer delivers a number of inclusion sessions throughout the week, including on a weekly Titans session based at the stadium. Working closely with the Titans staff, he helped with the planning and delivery of the football tournament and spoke of what these events mean to those involved: “It was a great day, there was some great football played and it’s been a really competitive tournament. 

“We’ve helped with this event for the past 3 years, and every year, it gets bigger and better, it’s fantastic. 

“Having more and more CCO’s from around the country, getting involved and attending, gives us the chance to speak with their staff, network and allow our local teams to come up against people from other football clubs too.”

Speaking of the impact the tournament has on those in attendance, Rich said: “Some of those participating have said it was their first tournament they’ve been to, some haven’t had the opportunity to play in a competitive match and for those travelling to our tournament, may never have been out of their local area for events like this. 

“They get to meet new people, create new friendships, push themselves out of their comfort zone, all while playing football. You could see afterwards, how much each and every one of them, thoroughly enjoyed the day.”

Andrew Robson, Club Chair for the Titans spoke of how great the partnership is with the Foundation and Titans: “The support from the Foundation has been fantastic, the planning, the delivery of the tournament itself. 

“It’s all about coming together to support each other, put smiles on the faces of those involved, which contributed to what was a fantastic day.”

For more information on the inclusion sessions delivered by the Foundation, please contact richard.harford@clubdoncasterfoundation.co.uk.

For more information on Club Doncaster Titans, you can find them on Facebook.