South Yorkshire Ability Counts League:

Season 2025/26 Kicks Off at Concord

Season Opener and League Structure

Pleasant, dry, breezy conditions greeted players and supporters as the 2025/26 South Yorkshire Ability Counts League season began last Sunday at Concord Sports Centre in Sheffield. Both the Premier and Championship divisions launched their campaigns on the opening matchday.

This season, the league comprises just two divisions. Barton Inclusive and Glossop have opted to compete closer to home, while some teams have joined the successful SHCFA Pan-Disability League, which now boasts a thriving Junior section. Many former players are also taking up opportunities in mainstream football, which is excellent news and demonstrates the increasing pathways available for Disability participants across the County.

Premier Division Round-Up

On Pitch One, Sean officiated the first match, where Chris Jo’s sharp, close-range finish secured three points for Mansfield Town Blue in a narrow victory over a disciplined Club Doncaster Titans (White) side.

Newly-promoted Hillsborough Hornets (Gold) started their Premier Division journey on a high, claiming a 2-0 win against Sheffield FC (White) in a fiercely contested match that highlighted two outstanding goalkeepers. The decisive moment came courtesy of a well-worked goal from Alex Whitehead, tipping the balance in the Hornets’ favour.

The third fixture saw Club Doncaster Titans (White) and Sheffield (Blue) play to an exciting, goalless draw, sharing the points. In a dramatic finish, Titans nearly claimed victory, striking the post with the last kick of the game.

Sheffield (White) demonstrated excellent teamwork and clinical finishing in their next match, defeating Mansfield Town AC (Blue) 3-0 with three superb goals. While the scoreline may have been harsh on an impressive Mansfield side, Sheffield’s two well-crafted team goals and a brilliant individual left-footed effort ensured they earned their win.

The final Premier Division game on Pitch Three saw Hornets (Gold) achieve a perfect start, overcoming Sheffield (Blue) in a hard-fought encounter. A standout moment was Hornets’ goalkeeper making a superb penalty save following a handball in the area, after which the Hornets capitalised with an excellent team goal, again finished by Alex Whitehead. As the dust settled on five thrilling games, the Hornets found themselves three points clear at the top of the table.

Championship Division Highlights

Brian Eaton was in charge on Pitch Two, overseeing a shortened Championship schedule due to Aston Swallownest (Blue) withdrawing from matchday because of late player availability issues.

The opening game saw Club Doncaster Titans (Red) earn a hard-fought point against a strong Wheatley Wanderers side, who are always well supported at Concord. Following a friendly in which Derek Dooley (Red) edged out Mansfield Town (Amber), they immediately returned to action against Club Doncaster Titans (Red) and secured a 2-0 victory, sealing the result with a late goal. Titans’ John Hibbert acknowledged the great effort his team put into both matches.

In the final fixture, Wheatley appeared set to dominate after an early lead against Mansfield Amber, but Mansfield responded before half-time to draw level, and both sides ultimately shared the points.

Tribute and Sportsmanship

During the afternoon, all teams paid tribute to Referee’s Secretary Sean Wright, who was a well-deserved recipient of the FA’s Match Official of the Year Award. Further details about Sean’s award can be found at http://www.southyorkshireabilitycountsleague.com.

Congratulations are also due to all players and coaches for an outstanding day of football at Concord. The behaviour was exemplary, the matches were keenly contested, and the standard of football was excellent throughout.

Looking Ahead

It was a fantastic start to the season. Next Sunday, the league’s five-a-side teams will begin their campaigns at Goals Sheffield. We look forward to seeing everyone there.