Following this, staff developed the idea of establishing a football league specifically for children with additional learning needs (ALN). The original idea to set up the league came from a member of the teaching support staff in the STF with a particular passion for sport, inclusion and supporting pupils with ALN. This initial idea has had far reaching and positive consequences for many children and their families.
The vision of the Super Teams Football League was to give pupils opportunities to represent their school whilst playing competitive football against other teams of similar ability and understanding. The aim was to develop their self-esteem as well as their physical and social skills. By celebrating the pupils’ performances and results the school could see that the profile and standing of STF pupils within the school increased. The league also gives pupils’ parents an opportunity to watch their children compete for the school.
There were some practicalities to consider, Firstly, the school had to find a suitable location. Playing on open, marked pitches was not always appropriate for most of the pupils. The decision was made to hire pitches at the local small-sided football facility. This was ideal, as the ball always remained in play and, once in, pupils were safe and secure. From this, Clwyd’s key stage 2 STF began to play friendlies against other STF in Swansea. The observations and feedback from other schools highlighted that the venue and concept of the games were successful and had potential for growth.
Later in 2016, staff from the STF launched the league at a STF Network Meeting. They invited teachers to join a group on HWB. There was a good response and the league began. The league went from strength to strength. Pre-COVID, there were 200 children from 14 schools taking part. Currently and post COVID the league has recommenced and the numbers participating are rising.
All staff regularly observe pupils playing. This has resulted in useful feedback for the STF staff who have made refinements and adaptions, for example to the organisation of events and ‘rules’, to meet the needs of all the pupils. There are now two divisions for pupils aged 7-11 and a ‘football experience’ pitch to maximise opportunities for inclusion and participation. Division 1 is for pupils who understand the concept of a match and how to join in. It is for children who are physically confident. The games are competitive with minimal adult intervention. Division 2 is for pupils who have a developing knowledge of how to join in a game of football. Supporting adults can be on the pitch to ensure that all of the pupils engage and kick a softer ball. The Football Experience Pitch is an unstructured pitch with a range of different sized balls and sensory equipment. It is for children who do not yet have a concept of a match. Adults facilitate the exploration of the equipment and skills related to football. This can be accessed at any time by any pupil. This is helpful should a pupil need time and space to ‘cool off’.
Staff have also developed a foundation phase section of the league for younger pupils. The rules are simply, for example, to stop when the whistle blows, to try not to handle the ball and to shake hands afterwards. The referees double-up as coaches. They run the matches but also teach the pupils elements of the game (depending on ability). Before each session, the rules and a skill are demonstrated by the staff. There is an emphasis on fair play, teamwork and winning and losing well. The games are approximately 10 minutes long and the school aims for 6 aside. Both are flexible depending on numbers of pupils and level of fatigue.
The league is celebrated each year in July during a key stage 2 festival. This includes matches, parachute games, crafts, Kerling, and a bouncy castle. It is also a time for every pupil to receive a medal and the division winners a trophy. As well as the annual key stage 2 festival, the school has fixtures every half term, meaning that there are six events each year. It is affiliated with the Swansea School’s Football Association. Looking ahead, the school would like to help other counties set-up similar leagues and set up a representative side from ‘Swansea STF’ to play other representative sides.
