Derby County Community Trust’s long-standing disability programmes champion inclusive football for all abilities, offering tailored opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities and additional needs. These include pan-disability and impairment specific sessions such as DS Active, the Trust’s Down’s Syndrome football team.

To mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we sat down to speak with Rodney and Biddy, the parents of regular DS Active participant, Luke who was born with Down’s Syndrome.

The DS Active, ranging from ages 12-54, taking part in weekly football sessions and occasional matches against other teams from across the country.

We began asking Biddy to describe Luke as a child and how he managed his condition, she recalled: “We were very fortunate, we had someone who came to see us from Chesterfield. Suitable toys were given to Luke and support to us all, he didn’t face any challenges until later on in his life.”

After an encounter at his place of employment, Luke sadly became non-verbal for a period of time. It took a lot of work for Luke to go back to being his usual, positive self again. Touching on this, Biddy said: “We had to seek help from a speech and language therapist to regain his confidence in speaking.”

Being part of DS Active has supported Luke to develop his confidence in social settings. He is able to speak to more people in a group setting, becoming comfortable to have conversations.

As a result of this, he has been able to form friendships with people who he looks out for at the Derby County games.

In addition to DS Active Luke is also part of a basketball group and enjoys keeping fit with a boxing instructor.

As a long-standing DS Active participant, Luke is happier than ever at the sessions and his parents say that Luke keeps a calendar with all of the session dates and times saying he wouldn’t miss it for the world.

“Luke cares deeply for everyone in his life and is always the first to check in on his friends at DS Active. He’s always happy to be part of each session and especially loves representing his club, DCFC, at every event. Over time, Luke has grown tremendously in confidence and shows a genuine love for everything he takes on. He is thoughtful, appreciative, and never fails to bring a smile to your face.”

Physical Activity and Health Officer, Shannon Parkes.

If you are interested in joining DS Active or any of the Trust’s Disability Sessions, fill in an expression of interest, here – https://derbycountycommunitytrust.com/programme-category/disability/.