Bracknell has a brand new football team thanks to one of Football in Berkshire’s own and the support of Winkfield Parish Council.
FiB photographer and award winner Neil Graham and a group of volunteers launched their ‘Football For All’ scheme earlier in 2023 and now with funding secured, the team has been able to enter its first league competition.
Mr Graham, also the chairman of junior club FC Bracknell, launched the initiative as a unique and inclusive football scheme, the only competition in the Berkshire town specifically for neurodivergent children and adults. The scheme provides participants with the opportunity to develop social, communication and teamwork skills, whilst also gaining the benefits of being involved in regular physical exercise, mental health, and a chance to meet new friends within a fun and safe environment.
With financial assistance from Winkfield Parish Council, FC Bracknell’s ‘Football For All’ team has been entered the into The BOBI League (Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Inclusive League), a football league offering individuals with a range of disabilities the opportunity to play competitive football on a regular basis. The BOBI League serves the Thames Valley region and neighbouring counties.
Speaking about the funding award, Winkfield Parish Councillor Kevin Buchler said: “Our council is proud to contribute by way of a financial grant towards this phenomenal cause. We identified our role as a council to assist directly benefitting these children and adults within our community. There are numerous plans to widen the remit of this initiative and to encourage more members of the community to join ‘Football For All’. It is with pride and a privilege to have their kit branded with our council’s logo.”
Mr Graham added: “It is not only the participants that benefit from Football For All. Parents and carers can access an additional network of friends in similar circumstances. For some it simply gives them the opportunity to watch their child be involved in regular sporting activity, something which they might not have thought would ever happen.”
Football For All began with one team which includes 12 players (including eight regular players who play BOBI league matches on weekends). Mr Graham said: “The intention is to grow membership across all age groups with the aim of 20 players by the end of the 2023.”
