Justin Supports Ability Counts Football Tournament For Disabled People

North Swindon MP & former Minister for Disabled People, Justin Tomlinson, has joined more than 50 young people a for a football tournament for disabled people. 

Highworth Town Juniors FC’s 'Ability Counts' tournament saw young players with disabilities participate in the competition, with the winners being handed prizes at the end.

The tournament was played in a league format, with the team which finishes at the top declared the winners. The teams were split into two groups; under 16s and over 16s; and players came from Chippenham, Melksham, Highworth and Stratton.

Highworth Town Juniors was the first club in the area to develop the Ability Counts initiative, and members are thrilled to see how the scheme has been adopted by others. Regular Ability Counts training sessions take place at the clubhouse and volunteers are always on hand to assist players.

Justin Tomlinson MP said: "Football was my first love. Having been the Minister for Disabled People, I was always keen to promote the opportunities and enjoyment of sport for all. It’s brilliant to see these young people being given the opportunity to showcase their skills. Throughout my time as an MP and as the Minister, I have worked closely with local groups and national governing bodies to ensure more disabled people can participate in sport.”

Mark Collett, chairman of Highworth Town Juniors, said: “This competition is for the youngsters who don’t play mainstream football. We thought it would be a fantastic idea to offer a competition today where people from the wider area could come along and play some football. It’s a great initiative because it brings the youngsters together as a group and gives them something to focus on. It’s all really positive for everyone and I’m sure it’ll be a brilliant competition.”

Anyone who wants to join should contact the club through its website www.highworthtownjuniorsfc.co.uk 


(Photos Credit: Jeff Youd)