VIDEO: 'human' table football is on its way!

Monday 24 April 2017

Have you ever tried to imagine what human table football would be like? Autism Jersey might just have the answer, as they are bringing a human table football tournament to the Island on 20 May.

Players will have their hands attached to a pole and will need to work with their team-mates to reach the ball on the purpose-built pitch that the charity will set up at the Weighbridge.

The event will be held with the support of CPA Global, who are longtime supporters of the charity and currently pay for the running of their Adult Social Clubs and counselling service. Autism Jersey also worked with Simon Chard, Managing Director of Normans, and Simon Silbernagl, Managing Director of Camerons: Normans are supplying the materials for the purpose-built pitch that Camerons constructed.

Mr Chard said: "Normans are proud to be a supporter of Autism Jersey and are delighted to be sponsoring their Human Table Football challenge. We are sure this event will capture the Island’s imagination and participants will have a fun and action-packed day, while helping to raise funds for this very worthy cause."

Caroline Moody, Autism Jersey’s Fundraising and Marketing Manager, who came up with the idea of the tournament said she thought about it after spotting a fun game on YouTube. She explains: "It looked like everyone was having such a laugh. Human table football is considered to be one of the best team-building activities. What I particularly like about this event is that it is so inclusive – you can have any level of fitness and abilities. It’s all about having fun."

The charity has also received help from Mark Jones, secretary and treasurer of the Jersey Learning Disabilities Football Club. He has planned out the league tournament of four groups of four teams, with each six-player team guaranteed at least three ten-minute games. Each team will be made up of six players and the entry fee is £500.

He said: "I'm delighted that Caroline asked me to get involved with this exciting project, and I'm sure it will be a huge success. ‘Furthermore I'm extremely grateful to Autism Jersey for inviting the Jersey Learning Disabilities Football Team to take part. The players are really looking forward to it and supporting a charity that plays a huge part in supporting individuals with autism and their families."

Kick-off for the tournament is set for 10:00 on 20 May at the Weighbridge. The day will also see a Beat the Goalie fun competition unfold and businesses are asked to contact CPA Global to get their bosses in the goal cage for an hour.

On the evening before the tournament, the charity will also hold some ‘warm-up’ matches, including people with disabilities, politicians and the media.