The success of the Lincolnshire Ability Counts League is a “great opportunity” for pan-disability football to grow in the county, says one manager.
Sophie Bartup, co-manager of Barton Athletic FC, believes the league has a chance to continue the growth of disability football within Lincolnshire.
She said: “It’s fantastic to see so many clubs and teams come together. So, it’s a great opportunity for the Lincolnshire Ability Counts League to build on this now, improve the provision, improve and support the enhancements of the format, so I’m excited to see how they build on today.”
Barton Athletic, who are part of the wider Barton Inclusive FC, have teams in each of the league’s four divisions. In all, the club has 16 teams, ranging from two and three-year-olds to over-50s walking football.
Bartup said: “With the growth of the league in the past 12 months, it’s important that we now continue to maximise the playing opportunities, the minutes players get on a matchday. And, I’m really excited to see and support the growth of the league.
“I think it’s a really important time now for us all to collectively hold each other to account in terms of what do the next two, three, five years look like in inclusive football within Lincolnshire.”
Last season more than 500 people took part in disability football across the county, an increase of 55% on the previous year, according to Lincolnshire FA data.
Matthew Richardson, who plays for Barton Athletic, said: “I got involved because Sophie set up a brilliant club, with lots of different age groups and ability levels. It’s a brilliant club to be under, playing football with a smile on my face.”
The 2024/25 season kicked off at Lincoln City‘s LNER Stadium over the past weekend, with clubs from across Lincolnshire taking part.
Nick Hanson, Lincolnshire FA CEO, added: “The good thing about football is that it is growing, and not just in the traditional areas. So, we want the game to be all inclusive, we want people to come and play, support, watch, get involved, whatever their background. Football is for everybody.”
Feature Image Credit: Ed Mayes Photography