ASPIE Avengers FC reach the Final of The FA People’s Cup!

England’s largest and most inclusive small-sided competition hits the final stage in April.

The FA People’s Cup is a small-sided competition, is completely free to enter and welcomes male, female and disability players across 18 categories – ranging from under 14s through to veterans (over-35s).

This year’s edition saw over 45,000 players take part in 18 different categories, as the first round stage kicked-off at over 270 different venues in February.

Following the regionalised semi-finals in March, the category winners from across the country will now converge at St. George's Park, home of The FA and England national squads training ground, for the Finals on Saturday 28^th and Sunday 29^th April.

ASPIE Avengers

This year, ASPIE Avengers Football Club decided to enter The FA People’s Cup in the Adult Disability category.

The ASPIE Avengers football club was formed in May 2015 with the help from younger members of the charity organisation ASPIE www.aspie.org.uk  Disability Sport Worcester and Worcestershire FA. They are proud to participate in the local Three Counties Ability Counts League http://www.threecountiesleague.org/ and the Sandwell Inclusion League. AAFC strive to provide a relaxed and supportive environment for people on the autistic spectrum who may otherwise find difficulty in participating in mainstream physical activities. Three of its members have FA Level 1 coaching qualifications helping to ensure the team’s sustainability and player ownership.

“Contributing to the team’s success is the support and guidance from Worcestershire FA, The Three Counties Ability Counts and Disability Sport Worcester from May 2015 when the team was formed. As a result of which the team trains all year round at KGV in Worcester.

People with Asperger’s need routine and predictability, so same time, same place, same coaches are important and reduce anxiety and under new Captain George Simpson they have played in extra matches at varying venues reinvigorating their enthusiasm and motivation.”  Julia Micklewright, Cheerleader, ASPIE AVENGERS FC

Road to St George's Park!

ASPIE Avengers played their first game of The FA People’s Cup on Sunday 18^th February at Mosley Rugby Club where they were victorious, going through Round 1 of the competition Getting through the first round aroused lots of excitement amongst the club, which was topped when they were successful in the semi-finals at Star City, Birmingham on Sunday 25^th March 2018.

"I am thrilled for our team to have won the semi-final group of the F.A. Peoples Cup, it is our biggest success so far. Our team achievement has been through our dedication, determination and hard work.  I am proud to play alongside players who are passionate and supportive. I believe our team's success will continue to grow and bring more people together". Andrew Bird, Vice-Captain, ASPIE AVENGERS FC

"The participation of people with Asperger's Syndrome to compete as a team in football leagues and competitions has a great impact on individuals with Asperger's Syndrome and the local community as a whole." Sharon Wedgebury, AAFC Welfare Officer

The team is now looking forward to playing in the final at St. George’s Park as the only local team who took part and have even offered extra training sessions at Kidderminster Harriers FC Ground to help propel them to success!

We spoke to a couple of the players at a recent training session about disability and inclusions football as well as the success of their team.

‘’Our main focus on and off the pitch is to look after each other and help each other where we can to keep everyone involved. We have to organise the team and plan things to suit the different needs of our players. We try and get involved in as many tournaments and competitions as we can as well as training to help make sure we can keep people playing in their set positions and feel included. We also like to have a laugh and enjoy our football as well as the competitive side’’ George Simpson, Captain, ASPIE AVENGERS FC

‘’Since having a review last season we have become closer and get along well as a team. Our club works with a difference compared to some other football teams and sometimes it can be hard for using during training and fixtures to appreciate other people, such as making sure we pass the ball often enough etc. However we try and make sure we consider others. It is really good we have got to the final and all the players are excited to be involved. W'e like the chance to play in a welcoming yet competitive sporting environment and to be part of disability football growing in the local area’’ Joe Grew, Secretary, ASPIE AVENGERS FC

Worcestershire FA wish Aspie Avengers FC the best of luck in their upcoming Final at St George's Park and hope they continue to grow their success by offering inclusive football in the Worcestershire area on and off the pitch for the future!