Down's Syndrome Football Team with Simon Elliott

 
Special training for special players;
© Köhn/pixelio

Fulham midfielder, Simon Elliott and the Club’s Strength & Conditioning Coach, Steve Nance, ran a fitness session with a difference last Friday – for the country’s first Down’s syndrome football team.

The team, which was launched back in June 2006, attend training sessions at Fulham’s Motspur Park every Friday, but this session featured a guest appearance and specialist advice from Elliott, in recognition of the premier League’s flagship Community Programme, ‘Creating Chances’.

The series of training sessions are a result of Fulham’s Community Sports Trust’s alliance with the Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA). The aim of the collaboration is to provide youngsters with an opportunity to enjoy the Club’s facilities, as well as receiving expert guidance from Steve Nance and his coaching staff. This particular session integrated a variety of exercises including a bike warm-up, fitness boxing, and a stretches and weights session.

Fulham midfielder, Simon Elliott, said: “It was a joy to provide hands-on coaching to the Down’s Syndrome Football Team. The young people were committed to getting as much as possible out of the session and I look forward to meeting with the group soon to hear about their progress.”

Head of Fulham FC Community Sports Trust, Russell Findlay, added: “Fulham FC Community Sports Trust is delighted, as always, to maintain exceptional and significant involvement with the Down’s Syndrome Association and, by organising regular coaching sessions with young people with Down’s Syndrome as part of the Community Sports Trust’s disability programme throughout the year, helps to reinforce our philosophy of providing opportunities for everyone to enjoy sport whilst leading a healthier lifestyle.”

REHACARE.de; Source: Down’s Syndrome Association

- More on the Down's Syndrome Association at: www.downs-syndrome.org.uk

( Source: REHACARE.de )