Meet Nat, one of our participants at Blackpool FC Community Trust. He lives with Down Syndrome and he attends our Friday night club and Star Inclusion half term camps, both sessions cater for children and young people living with a disability. He has also been involved in the football sessions we support at his school, Park Community Academy, where we first met him in September 2019.
Due to Nat’s out going way, he loves to get involved in social activities, particularly sport. But due to Nat living with Down Syndrome, other than his school, there is a limited amount of sporting activities he can attend in the community.
His mum said “Because of his learning difficulties, Nat’s social life is very limited as he has to be accompanied by family/carer/responsible adult. It has been very difficult to find a provision that allows him freedom and independence within a safe environment, that also offers him activities that he wants to get involved with.
There are places that offer arts and crafts etc, but Nat is an 18 year old young man who wants to get involved in things that he sees teenagers without his challenges partaking in, especially sports. This is what he gets at Blackpool FC Community Trust. All week he talks about Friday night and going to club.”
Nat said, “Its good, lots of nice people and I have nice friends; I might meet a girlfriend! I like sport and I can play football there. I am proud to go there and I wear my Blackpool kit. I am a grown-up. I have new friends and everyone is kind. I love it, it’s a good club, you can join in.”
Nat’s multiple attendance of our provisions has helped us to build a good relationship with Nat and his mum.
Paul the Community Engagement Officer (Disability) for the Trust said, “What can I say about Nat. Whatever I say won’t do him justice. He induces a smile the moment you see him. He’s kind, caring and considerate to the other participants and staff. He loves the sports we offer and gets involved as much as he can. He loves Blackpool FC and is a proud wearer of the kit. It’s a pleasure having Nat attend our provisions”
As Nat turns 19 this year, he will be transitioning from some of the provision he currently attends to our weekly Adult Pan Ability football sessions where, no doubt, Nat will make new friends.
If you would like more information about these opportunities please email info@bfcct.co.uk
