Disabled football: this is the ASV Waldsee's undertaking
In the picturesque Palatinate region of Germany, ASV Waldsee Football Club has made a significant mark in promoting inclusivity and empowerment. The club, known for its strong community involvement, has set a new benchmark by establishing the Inclusion Support Point for People with Intellectual Disabilities.
Established over two years ago, the Inclusion Support Point, affectionately known as the "Heroes" team, is the second club in Germany to regularly offer training for people with disabilities. The initiative, launched by the club's first chairman, Alex Krieger, aims to provide equal sporting opportunities and foster a supportive environment for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Philipp Erbach, the captain of the "Heroes" and an intellectually disabled player, has been playing football since kindergarten. He is proud of the club's status as an inclusion support point and believes that the "Heroes" team brings something valuable to each member.
The training sessions, held every Monday from 5 pm to 6:30 pm, focus on physical fitness, skill development, teamwork, and personal growth. The sessions are led by professional coaches and specially trained staff, ensuring a safe and effective participation for all.
The Inclusion Support Point has already made a name for itself, with the "Heroes" team participating in tournaments and receiving additional material such as jerseys, balls, and captain's armbands as a result of the inclusion support point award. The Southwest German Football Association (SWFV) has also expressed its support, with plans to provide stronger backing to ASV Waldsee.
Alex Krieger, the first chairman of ASV Waldsee, is not content with just football. He plans to expand the promotion of inclusion to other sports within the club. The club's commitment to inclusivity has also been recognised by the SWFV, which has awarded ASV Waldsee for its efforts.
The concept of inclusion support points is unique to these two clubs in Germany, according to Thorsten Richter from the SWFV. ASV Waldsee shares this distinction with another inclusion support point in Speßbach, Kaiserslautern district.
The training sessions are a lively affair, with players clapping and jumping in a circle together, and one player even starting a cheer, "Here come the champions, shalalalala - here come the champions."
ASV Waldsee's Inclusion Support Point is not just a sports club; it's a beacon of hope, breaking down barriers and promoting respect and understanding within the community. If you're interested in getting involved or learning more, feel free to reach out to ASV Waldsee for more information about upcoming events and opportunities.
The Inclusion Support Point, a term coined by ASV Waldsee, extends beyond football, as Alex Krieger, the club's first chairman, envisions promoting inclusivity across various sports. Additionally, the club's health-and-wellness initiative, spearheaded by the "Heroes" team, encourages intellectual-disability athletes to engage in science-backed training sessions that foster personal growth, teamwork, and physical fitness in sports such as football.
