AFC Bournemouth’s Community Sports Trust has been selected as one of only 10 FA Disability Talent Hubs for the 2017/18 season.
The programme will see the trust host an England Talent Day at the start of the campaign, inviting players from across the region to take part in Cerebral Palsy, deaf and partially-sighted football.
Participants will later be invited to join coaches from AFC Bournemouth’s Community Sports Trust for advanced training sessions, with the programme including four rounds of fixtures against fellow talent hubs and other Premier League sides.
As a result, players will be led onto the FA Disability Talent Pathway across the course of the season.
Disability Inclusion Officer Hannah Powis was thrilled with the partnership and told afcb.co.uk: “This is a fantastic opportunity for AFC Bournemouth’s Community Sports Trust to support the development of elite level players with a disability in the region.
“We have a growing programme of recreational and competitive disability sport through the Premier League and BT disability sport fund and it’s great to further this offer by becoming a FA Disability Talent Hub.”
Head of Community Steve Cuss also shared his delight, adding: “We are extremely proud to have been chosen by the FA to organise and deliver one of only 10 FA Disability Talent Hubs nationwide.
“We are very much looking forward to providing further opportunities for players to reach their potential through the England talent pathway.”
The FA have recently announced visions of delivering the world’s leading talent program for disabled sport, with the hope of developing successful national teams.
James Medder, Hampshire’s FA Disability Football Development Officer, believes that AFC Bournemouth is an excellent place to lay the foundations for such success.
He said: “AFC Bournemouth are well equipped to offer expert coaching to players in the programme, which will ultimately support their development.
“It will provide great coverage across Hampshire and surrounding counties to enable players with a disability the opportunity to progress through the England Talent Pathway.”
