Shropshire Star

Watch: Shrewsbury Town player launches new football initiative for youngsters

Shrewsbury Town Football Club defender Mickey Demetriou has helped launch new Down's Syndrome football sessions.

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The sessions, from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on Tuesdays, have been organised by Shrewsbury Town Community Sports Trust and DSActive.

Eight children attended the first event at Shrewsbury Sports Village and Demetriou said he was delighted to have been invited to take part.

He said: "It was brilliant to be a part of the session and I am thankful for being asked. All of the children had a smile on their faces which is what counts. It was a good first session and hopefully word will now spread and they will be able to go away and tell their friends about the sessions."

Aiden Wassell, Shrewsbury Town Community Sports Trust's health and inclusion officer,said the children had thoroughly enjoyed the event.

He said: "The launch session of Down's Syndrome football was a great event for all.

"The kids had a smile on their face from start to finish.

"I would like to thank Mickey for coming down and joining in with the session, and also Scott and Matt from Down Syndrome Active for coming to see the launch session as they have been integral to the community sports trust in supporting this new initiative."

The sessions are being held in conjunction with DSActive, which aims to provide children and young people with Down's Syndrome with equal opportunities.

Through football, the project intends to create "a multi-tier learning environment that will improve the participants' overall physical, social and emotional health".

DSActive sports officer Matt Maguire said: "This is the 32nd football team that we have set up with community trusts in the country.

"We'd like to set up local fixtures and various other team-bonding sessions. It's a good chance for youngsters to not only play football but to make new friends."

Mr Maguire said participants not only learn physical skills, but they also increase their own social and emotional abilities.

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