	Week Beginning 01/11/2007

SDS National 7-a-side football for players with learning difficulties

Lothian seniors

On Wednesday 3rd October Lothian took 2 senior squads to Little Kerse in Grangemouth for the Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) 7-a side football Championships for participants with a learning disability. We were represented in the ‘B’ and ‘C’ categories at an event that had a huge turnout on a day of mixed weather conditions.

The squad competing in the ‘C’ band category won all three of their group matches before beating Killie Wanderers 5 – 1 in Semi-Final. Unfortunately, the Lothian team could not overcome Firhill in the final and were beaten by 2 goals to nil in a tense affair. The squad were disappointed with their performance but recognised a tremendous achievement by making it to the final unbeaten.

The Lothian ‘B’ band squad played in a round robin tournament, playing each team twice, but unfortunately did not perform to their full potential. The team only managed to win two of the eight games played and finished an overall 4th in the competition.

Lothian coach Jamie McDonald stated “both squads enjoyed the occasion immensely and a special thanks goes out to Gary Fraser (LDS Sports Development Coordinator) who accompanied us on this trip as a coach and got his first insight of the players under tournament conditions”.

Lothian schools

After a schools football event was held previously at the Hearts Academy, Riccarton, two squads were selected to represent Lothian Schools at the same tournament. These teams were selected and managed on the day by Midlothian Active Schools Coordinator, Mark Gaffney. Both teams competed in the ‘ B’ and ‘C’ band categories and on the day were extremely successful as each team walked away with Gold medals.

Celebrities

The event was attended by ex Blackburn Rovers, Rangers and Scotland player Colin Henry; ex Hibs, Rangers and current Falkirk captain Russell Latapy and Falkirk Striker Pedro Moutinho. The attendance of these household heroes really added to the occasion, as they were more than willing to mix with the competitors, sign autographs and have there pictures taken which was greatly appreciated. Once again top SFA official Kenny Clark showed his support for disability football by attending and refereeing some of the games, including Lothian ‘B’ bands semi-final against Killie Wanderers.