Local dreams come true for West Brom's Foundation disability team
Local children and the Albion Foundation’s disability team were given an opportunity to play on The Hawthorns pitch yesterday.
It was part of the club charity’s highly-anticipated stadium day, which has now been running for three years.
And while the downpours may have made the pitch slippery, they did nothing to dampen the spirits of those involved.
“It’s every boy’s dream to play on a professional football pitch,” said the Foundation’s Lawrence Roberts. “Six days ago we had Chelsea here for a Premier League fixture in front of 25,000 fans. To experience a Premier League pitch is very exciting, just to say I’ve played on it to their families.”
Although the Foundation works all-year round, the stadium day is a big day in their calendar, and a huge incentive to the children they work with. Aston Manor Academy, Sandwell Academy, Willenhall Academy and Holyhead School were all involved.
“We go in and try and encourage pupils to stay on at school,” said Roberts. “Our recruitment is the badge, instead of going on and doing nothing, we try and give them another two years of education.
“When they’re on the programme we try and develop them holistically. Yes, we want to make them better football players. Socially, we want to make them better. We want to develop their personal skills. That’s our aim really.”
