Beds FA team up with the ESFA to host an exciting new project for children who have not had the opportunity to play football for their schools.

 The U15 Attitude Counts Cup for 2018 concluded in bright sunshine at the Bedfordshire FA headquarters on Wednesday 10 May - in stark contrast to the previous week where the U13 finale was played on a day of cold and rain. 

The tournaments, which have run over six dates throughout the year, are for those school pupils who have never represented their schools teams and have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).  Supported by funding from the English Schools’ Football Association the occasions have proved to be a roaring success masterminded by Beds FA FDO, Josh Spavins.

On arrival players are allocated to teams of mixed ability and gender and have to quickly learn about their new team mates.  Points are awarded to each player for; sportsmanship, good humour, being a good role model, leadership, improvement in confidence, creating positive environments and players enjoying themselves.  The latter has been very much in evidence!  

As well as being a football occasion it is very much about creating a great social environment for youngsters to learn essential life skills.  The accompanying teachers have enjoyed themselves too.

It has been a wonderful experience to see the player’s progress throughout the year and all are eagerly awaiting the dates for next season.  Overall the aims of the tournament have been achieved with nearly 100 young people now being able to say that they have played in a team game and have represented their school. 

What a way to learn!

Dave Woollaston, ESFA