Badshot Lea SAINTS is a football group for disabled players based in Farnham Started 8 years ago, it has a long-standing and enthusiastic membership
It is looking to grow and offers coaching support for a range of disabilities

Background
SAINTS stands for Special And Individual Needs Teams, reflecting the disabilities of its players which range from learning disabilities, physical handicaps and social and behavioural disorders.

Before affiliating with Badshot Lea FC, the group has been self-funding; covering pitch hire costs, awards and trips either directly or through a small weekly session charge. It has successfully obtained sponsorship on occasion to fund purchase of kit and equipment (limited to strip, balls and some practice aids).

The club has been in existence for some 8 years and still has a core of original members. Children come from a wide catchment that includes Basingstoke, Farnham and nearby settlements. The ages and numbers of current members are:

11or under 6
12-14 9
14-16+
9
Total 24

Membership benefits are both physical and social - they all also gain from a regular association with each other that is outside school or family – our children may have little opportunity otherwise to mix socially with others. Over the long term the benefits from football participation have been very evident – ranging from increased individual self confidence to extending the range of constructive relationships with others.

Future development opportunities
The group operates informally – with weekly in-season sessions (currently September-May) for an hour on a Saturday morning at the Heath End School all weather hockey pitch off Monkton Lane Weybourne, plus Christmas and end of season socials and an occasional external competition. A recent trip to Thatcham Town FC to attend a disabled tournament was a great success, and there is an appetite to do more/reciprocate.

The core SAINTS membership is of boys aged around 14-16 who are active and have in some cases been coached since the club started: several have good skill levels and most have a feel for the game. For some, the transition to this level of competence has been a long one. This is evidenced by younger new joiners who need a different coaching environment to reflect their current capabilities.

The group is looking to attract new and younger members, and there is an application for development funding from the regional FA to support the coaching capability to match the range of needs and increasing numbers and to assist with other requirements.