DSActive
In 2006, the first Down's syndrome (DS) football team was formed in partnership between the DSA and Fulham Football Club's charitable arm, the Fulham FC Community Sports Trust (FFCCST) now proudly called the Fulham Badgers.
The goal of the football team was to create an equal opportunity for children and young people with DS to learn and play football.
Today DSActive has three football teams, the Fulham Badgers and the QPR Tiger Cubs which launched in September 2007 and the Charlton Upbeats (April 2009). Through training sessions and matches, the players have seen an increase in their physical, social and emotional development whilst learning football and being a member of a team.
"This project is more than a football team it is the beginning of the future and a better more fulfilled life for all these children and my family is proud to be part of it"
Mother of a QPR Tiger Cub, age 7
The physical benefits included an increase in coordination, and ease in overall movement. There have also been an increase social opportunities and experiences for the players, ranging from playing on a professional pitch during halftime - an experience felt by only a few in the UK - to an increase in the player's social network and further chances to connect more with their peers at their school as many of their classmates also belong to a football team.
Experience a joint training session between the Badgers and Tiger Cubs that was held on Monday, 17th November 2008 (click this link).
The DSA has started to work together to introduce the concept of a bespoke DS football team to other football clubs with the long term goal of having a national DS football league. By having other football clubs involved, the teams will have the opportunity to train and play matches together.
Click here for the latest news on our DSActive teams!
Join DSActive Today
DSActive is open to anyone with Down's syndrome between the ages of 5 and 25.
If you are interested in joining the DSActive please contact the following teams for more information:
Fulham Badgers
Susie Williams
020 8336 7542
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QPR Tiger Cubs
Anthony Doherty
020 8740 2589
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Charlton Upbeats
Carl Krauhaus
020 8850 2866
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