Northampton Game Sat 16th August

MK Dons FC Disability v Northampton – half time activity – 16 / 8 / 08

The half time entertainment at the Northampton match saw MK Dons FC Disability youth team playing an exhibition game on the pitch against our counterparts from Northampton Town.

Earlier in the day the teams, including two girls, played a friendly match at Tattenhoe, in great spirit and friendship and it was followed by a buffet lunch provided by the Dons parents. An important aspect of disability football is the social opportunity to meet new people and make new friends and the local rivalry of MK Dons and Northampton Town is a superb platform for developing these friendships and social skills.

The play on the pitch was enjoyed by the crowd with MK Dons FC Disability coming out on top with two goals from Greg Poulton and one from Matthew Head. The final score was a crowd pleasing 3-2.

The team play PAN Disability Football which is played at three levels meaning “everyone plays” but at a level that is comfortable for each. We currently run Under 12’s and Under 18’s teams. Over 18’s move into our adult teams where they each find the best level for them to play. PAN Disability Football covers all aspects of disability and is designed to include everyone who may be excluded from mainstream football.

Karl White and the lads from Northampton have offered a return match to Northampton later in the season and the Dons are pleased to have accepted the invitation.

This season our Under 16 Dons have entered a number of football festivals where they have finished runners up on several occasions. This includes the BBFA event hosted by us in Milton Keynes where we finished second to Northampton.

The referee was Ken Richardson, whom many of you may remember refereeing South Midlands and UCL games. Ken suffered a stroke three years ago, but now is on the road to recovery. Part of the recovery programme is for Ken to take up sport again and he has kindly offered to referee the game for us. He now also plays Wheelchair football in our newly formed group based at Leon School. A BBC TV Documentary Team who is following Ken’s progress as part of a health recovery project was covering the game.