The Cumberland Ability Counts League ran its first-ever day event on Friday 18 November, with five brand-new teams participating in an afternoon of recreational fixtures.

After the pandemic, many of the teams unfortunately could not re-join the evening league due to restrictions. There was an obvious demand from day services, but the league in its traditional format was no longer suitable. Therefore, The Cumberland Ability Counts League committee consulted with the day services who had expressed an interest and put together a proposal for a brand-new format of PAN Disability Football.

This initial event proved to be a great success with over 40 new players in attendance, including some familiar ACL faces and some brand-new players.

Following the success of this event, there are plans for two more events during the winter months to hopefully engage those day services and organisations to attend.

The teams in attendance were:

• Chrysalis Day Service
• Hensingham Day Service
• Carlton Road Day Service (Workington)
• Cockermouth Day Service
• West House Workington

Date: Friday 18th November
Time: 11am – 1pm
Location: Workington Leisure Centre 
Format: Friendly Fixtures

We would like to encourage any day services/disability organisations to get involved in the next day event. Please contact Ray Sempill if you are interested in getting involved:

Mob: 07807665543

Email: Ray.Sempill@CumberlandFA.com

Ray Sempill, Cumberland FA Football Development Officer, said: “It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces as well as some brand-new teams and players. Everyone seemed to enjoy the event and hopefully this format will encourage new teams and players to enter the events in the new year. Big thanks to Martin and Linda Perry for taking some great pictures and for Workington Leisure Centre for being so accommodating. We are looking forward to the next one.”

Mark Thompson, from West House, added: “Our boys absolutely loved it and were buzzing when they returned to Allerby Gardens. It was a really nice social occasion too and a genuine beginners event.”

Vivky Hogg from Chrysalis added: “The event was a huge success, our guys loved it!”