By @LaticsCommunity

Event organised by Wigan Athletic Community Trust and Wigan School Games saw 120 primary school youngsters improve and develop their football skills.

  • Wigan Athletic scholars attended an inclusive football festival at Stadium Way.
  • Event organised by Wigan Athletic Community Trust and Wigan School Games saw 120 primary school youngsters improve and develop their football skills.
  • U18 forward Kyle Worsley: “It’s important to be involved as we are all together as one at the Football Club and the Community Trust are very important in what they do and we’re always happy to support their work in any way possible.”

Wigan Athletic’s scholars joined 120 primary school pupils at an inclusive football festival at Stadium Way last week.

The event, which was hosted and delivered by Wigan Athletic Community Trust, Wigan School Games and Be Well Wigan, saw Latics’ academy stars help develop the skills of youngsters from schools across the borough.

Activities included small-sided games and the chance for youngsters - who may not normally get the opportunity - to enjoy playing the game in a fun, safe and inclusive environment.

Cathy Robinson, Wigan’s School Games Organiser and trustee of the Community Trust said: “A huge thank you to the scholars who came to the event and provided the children with a memorable afternoon.

“Our Just Join In events are fully inclusive and are especially for young people who have an additional need that prevents them from fully joining in PE and school sport in their own schools.

“The children are always full of enthusiasm and excitement during the event and get the chance to learn some new skills as well as taking part in some fun competitions.

“They have really enjoyed the opportunity to visit Stadium Way for the football festival, many of them are Wigan Athletic supporters and have loved the opportunity to see where the academy learn and train.”

Forward, Chris Sze, who was making his first community visit as a Wigan Athletic player said it’s important for scholars to get involved.

He added: “It’s been a good experience for us and hopefully for the kids as well being given the chance to learn from myself and the other lads.

“It’s important that we give back as well, as we are role models and it’s been good to be able to teach them different skills.”

Fellow U18’s forward Kyle Worsley added: “It’s vital for us as scholars to be involved but it’s also an enjoyable experience for us as well.

“It’s important to be involved as we are all together as one at the Football Club and the Community Trust are very important in what they do and we’re always happy to support their work in any way possible.”

The club’s official charity currently run a number of free disability football sessions, with the opportunity for youngsters to get involved in the game.

Taking place at Newbridge Learning Community School, sessions are open to all abilities:

Juniors | 8-10 years | 5pm – 6pm
Seniors | 11-16 years | 6pm – 7pm

For further information on Wigan Athletic Community Trust’s disability football sessions, please contact Disability Football and Sports Officer, Holly Flynn, by emailing h.flynn@wiganathletic.com or calling 01942 318090.