The Gillingham FC Disability Centre of Excellence started in 2005 and primarily consisted of one Under 11's team of six players, who all attended DaneCourt Special School in Gillingham. Community & Disability youth coaches Joe Hopkins and Matt Wood ran the centre and with their hard work the centre has blossomed and now consists of three teams, U11's, U13's and U16's, with around 30 players in total. The players have various learning difficulties including ADHD, Asperges and behavior difficulties as well as some players who have minor physical disabilities like Cerebral Palsy.

All of the age groups currently compete in a small-sided pan disability league and play against other teams from Charlton, Maidstone United, Swanscombe Tigers, Invicta Valiant's, St Margaret's All Stars, 1066 and Thanet Galaxy. Each age group is ability banded and operates a maximum four year age banding.

Kent Disability Junior League

Format of the League:

U11's - 5-aside with a four year age banding

 

U13's - 5-aside with a two year age banding

U16's League - 5-aside with a three year age banding
U16's Championship - 7-aside with a three year age banding

The league is open to both boys and girls at all three age groups and mixed teams are encouraged by the FA who has granted dispensation to allow girls to play.

Gillingham FC are able to run their sessions and games programme thanks to funding from 'The New Football Pools'.

To find out more information about the GFC Disability Centre of Excellence and see how they are getting on this season click here.

 

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