AFC Totton
Before the home match against Dagenham & Redbridge our Pan Disability A Team was presented with the Eastleigh Pan Disability winning Championship Trophy by Jimmy Ball. They also undertook guard of honour duties.
Here’s what you need to know about our Pan Disability Teams?
AFC Totton have 2 teams which are run in partnership with a care company called Dimensions. The teams are managed and coached by Ian Knight alongside Mike Garner and Owen Dench. In the League, the teams are known as AFC Totton Dimensions A and B. Players are drawn from Dimensions, other local care companies and others from across the local area. The teams are now playing in the Southern Inclusive Football League.
They train every Wednesday morning 09.30am to 10.30am on the AFC Totton MUGA pitch. Everyone who comes to training pays £3.00 weekly which goes towards the running costs of the two teams. They buy their own kit, equipment, match fees and have a presentation night at the end of the season.
Not all players who train want to play in the teams and that's OK as they just want to enjoy a kick about on a Wednesday morning. Both team's play three competitive matches every first Sunday of the month over at Oasis Academy Mayfield from October through to June.
Last season the "B" side finished in mid table in the Participation League whilst the "A" side who played in the Championship League lose just one game all season and went on to win the League!
This season the "B" side now play in League One and are currently just under halfway in their league. The "A" side got promoted to the Premier League and after 6 matches find themselves sitting top of the table winning four games and drawing two. This is a major achievement, and they are all amazed at the progression they have made this year. Moving up a level was quite daunting for them, but they have risen to the challenge.
Some of the players had never played in a team before and not only are they amazing at their achievement, but also, they are forming a special bond and friendships with each other. This creates a great social side for a lot of them.
They welcome anyone who wants to come training on a Wednesday morning. There is no pressure to play in the teams but if you want to, then they will try to accommodate.
Ian Knight, Mike and Owen take great pleasure in helping individuals in playing football, whether in a team environment or just training promoting self-confidence and improving their ability as well.
For more information and to reach out please contact Ian Knight on 07887 742546 or email [email protected]
