FOOTBALL: A £25,000 grant has been awarded to Solihull Moors FC to develop the community initiative ‘Kick Moor Ball’.
Started more than four years ago with the aim of increasing participation in sport, providing quality coaching sessions and developing partnerships, the initiative has caught the attention of the National League Trust – who have supplied the vital funds.
The scheme works closely with partners Solihull MBC Neighbourhood Activity Programme, Solihull Police, SoLO, Entraide, Interserve, Smart Homes and Birmingham County FA to deliver on and off-field success stories.
Without generous contributions from the National League Trust, the various projects available would not be possible.
Moors currently maintain four disability teams for the Under 13s, Under 16s and two Open Age groups who play in the Birmingham ‘Ability Counts’ leagues.
Based at the John Henry Newman College, the initiative provides weekly coaching on Saturday mornings – with 80 players participating, some with Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome and Severe Learning Difficulties.
The club also works closely with Solihull Borough Council and Solihull Police to provide a community service for residents who want to be part of a football culture – but for a variety of reasons find themselves unable to do so.
Liam Daly now leads the coaching at Smithswood Sports College, North Solihull Sports Centre and Tudor Grange.
Various holiday camps are also held to accommodate almost 600 school children during half term and summer holidays.
Mark Fogarty, Solihull Moors Director of Sport, said: “We are delighted to receive the news in relation to the National League Trust grant and are determined to use this help to sustain and build on the work which already takes place across Solihull.
“Many young people have benefited from us receiving these funds.
“The Social Inclusion and Disability sections will now go from strength to strength.
“It is our intention to include current 1st team and academy players to work on these projects and to engage with the youngsters in Solihull.”
Email [email protected] if you would like to contact Community Moors or be involved directly with the project.
