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Jersey learning disabilities football squad victorious in UK championship

Jersey learning disabilities football squad victorious in UK championship

Saturday 03 August 2024

Jersey learning disabilities football squad victorious in UK championship

Saturday 03 August 2024


Jersey's Learning Disabilities Football Squad took victory in an 11-a-side tournament last weekend in what was only their second outing on the international stage.

The squad travelled to the Pontefract Colliery FC grounds in West Yorkshire for the Mencap Home International football tournament.

Playing against teams representing England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the local squad came out on top, after settling for the runner-up slot in their debut tournament last year.

Coaches Gary Norman and Mark Jones said the achievement was "even more special" because the Jersey squad have "little opportunity to play competitive games".

The event, which took place on Saturday 27 July, began with flag-bearing and the playing of national anthems, before the 25-minute games got underway.

Their match results were:

  • Jersey v Northern Ireland (3-0)
  • Jersey v Scotland (5-1)
  • Jersey v Wales (5-0)
  • Jersey v England (0-0)

The victory did not come without some difficulties after Seb Leonard suffered a bad head injury one minute into the second half of their final game against England – which was the Championship decider.

He had to be withdrawn from play, and Jersey's squad were forced to re-organise themselves and swap positions.

However, when the final whistle came, their team had won on goal difference, despite a goalless match.

On Sunday, they also completed in the British Isle Cup against England, Scotland and Wales, where Wilson Ibbet was awarded the Player of the Tournament for Jersey by officials.

Mr Norman and Mr Jones said: "It was truly a team effort to win the Championship and all the players should be proud of themselves.

"Compared to the other nations, Jersey have little opportunity to play competitive games and that makes the achievement even more special.

"After Seb's injury many of the guys had to play in unfamiliar positions on Sunday which was good experience for them and they did well."

Mr Norman has coached the Jersey Learning Disabilities football team for 20 years.

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