Bristol Down Syndrome Football Club celebrates 10th anniversary

The head coach of a soccer club for children and adults with Down syndrome said that teaching the group helped him do his job significantly better.

Bristol Down’s Syndrome Football Club runs weekly training sessions and plays friendly matches and tournaments against other teams across the country.

The club is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and some of the current 30 players have been there since its inception in 2014.

“On a personal level,” said head coach Mark Kearns, “I had to adapt. I had to learn to communicate differently with people and explain things to them differently.”

“It has made me a much better football coach.

“That’s something I would advise anyone who wants to be a football coach: do a disability session.”

The club is run primarily by volunteers and supported by the Bristol City Robins Foundation, the official charity of Bristol City Football Club, which provides team kit and match tickets to players.

“It’s brilliant,” said Mr Kearns. “Our players love it.”

“The games are an opportunity for them to scream and cheer and be loud and exuberant.

“It’s a chance to let off some steam.”

Nino, one of the players, said Sunday morning football with his team was “the best.”

“I love training with friends. It’s good for my health to stay fit and work as a team. The coaches are great and we all have a good time,” he added.

Sam Smith, another head coach, said the activities he teaches are similar to any other football training session, but the difference is in the way he conducts them.

“We may need to allocate a little more time or space or communicate more about the exercises, but the content of what we offer is similar to that in virtually all other situations,” he said.

“Football is a universal game and everyone loves it. They want to have the opportunity to recreate with their peers what they see on TV or in the stands.”

“It’s the enthusiasm for the game and for being part of a team.”

“It’s a joy to see the joy when they score a goal or when they achieve something together or the friendships they make.”

The popularity of soccer clubs for children and adults with Down syndrome is growing, Smith said. The clubs include players aged between six and 42.

He said when the Bristol club was formed 10 years ago it was unusual but since then they have managed to establish regular friendlies and tournaments across the UK, including in Swindon, Swansea and Birmingham.

“We still have players who started when the club was founded and we have seen them develop. They were a bit unsure with the ball at first but then they attacked us and taught us new skills.

“It is a great pleasure to be able to give back and provide opportunities to these players,” he added.