We would like to wish all our players, coaches, carers, parents, supporters, and match officials a very Happy Christmas and a safe and healthy 2026.
There have been a few changes to the Leagues over the last couple of years and we have been sorry to lose Barton Inclusive and Glossop Town who have moved on to their local league, and the seven a side teams from Club Doncaster Titans.
However, new clubs and teams inevitably come along to replace them and this year we have seen Dinnington Town enter both seven and five a side competition.
One thing which never changes is the commitment, skill, and enthusiasm of all our participants, and the standard of football in all our Leagues continues to improve, as does the on and off field behaviour.
Following on from our County FA awards for the League and to our Chair, Mike, our referee’s secretary and match official, Sean Wright was selected as County FA And Match Official of the Year at The England Football Grassroots Football Awards, presented at Wembley. This was well-deserved recognition for an excellent referee and a popular member of our committee.
In the last few days, the League has smashed the target of £2k we set for our Annual Christmas Fundraiser, this year in support of Ryegate House at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. This means that the League has raised over £7.5k in the last three seasons for charitable causes, and we were again supported by a generous donation from Sheffield Forgemasters. Thanks to all of you for your brilliant contributions.
In addition to our match referees Sean, Brian, Tony, and Pete. We would also like to thank Margaret, our website editor for her fantastic work during the season.
Sheffield (Blue) by a nose in exciting three-way Premier Division battle
Derek Dooley (Red) press on at the top of the Championship
Another award for Sean Wright, this time from the County FA
Children’s Hospital fundraiser clears the £1500 mark
Eight hard fought fixtures in the www.southyorkshireabilitycountsleague.com Seven a side Leagues at a floodlit, wet Concord Sports Centre on Sunday (December 8th) as the pan-disability sides locked horns for the last time in 2025. It was a super afternoon of football played in fantastic spirits.
Here is our regular summary of the action.
In the Premier Division, Sean was match official on Pitch One as Alex Whitehead’s Hillsborough Hornets (Gold) got their afternoon off to a fast start with a narrow win over James Scally’s Dinnington Town (Yellows) by just the single goal in a hard -fought encounter.
Meanwhile, over on Pitch 2, Referee Brian took charge of another nail-biter between Sheffield FC (Blue) and Mansfield Ability Counts (Blue). The Mansfield keeper was in fantastic form, but Sheffield took all three points with the only goal of the game.
Mansfield (Blue) stayed on for the next Premiership fixture, and again, despite their goalkeeper’s heroics (including a brief stoppage for an elbow injury) it was Dinnington (Yellow) who grabbed maximum points with a well organised performance.
In the final match of the afternoon, Sheffield FC (Blue) saw off Hornets (Gold) thanks to some great finishes. It was a much closer match than the score suggests, with the World’s oldest simply being more clinical in front of goal.
So, after 5 games, Scott Gregory’s Sheffield Blue head the pile with eight points; the impressive Dinnington (Yellow) have seven points from one game less, and Hornets have seven points from five games. Mansfield AC (Blue) and Paul Jobson have just three points to show for four strong performances in what is an extremely competitive division.
In the Championship, Chair Mike was Match Official on Pitch One as Sheffield (White) defeated Wheatley Wanderers in a match marred by an injury to Wheatley’s keeper after a collision as two opposing players went for the ball. It was a complete accident, but the Wheatley keeper was unable to continue, reducing the Doncaster side to six players. That said, Kev Marsh’s Sheffield White probably deserved the win, with Wheatley’s Chris Pow standing in as keeper for the rest of the match.
Mike then took control of a close encounter between Vernon Thompson’s Mansfield AC (Amber) and Derek Dooley FA (Red), resplendent in their excellent new kits. Although Mansfield started the better, Claire Cowlishaw’s Dooley grew into the game and took the points courtesy of a single goal.
Credit to Derek Dooley AC Red in the next match, as they took a player off to match Wheatley’s six, but they still managed to take the three points with a fine victory and get their new kit off to a fine start. Credit to Wheatley, who continued to battle hard.
In the final game of the day, it was an excellent match between Sheffield FC (White) and Mansfield Town AC Amber, won by Club by the odd goal in three. The winner was a fantastic finish, worthy of winning the match.
So, four games in Derek Dooley (Red) lead the way with ten points from four games; it is nip and tuck behind them, as just two points cover the three other teams.
Thanks to all our 7-a-side players, coaches, referees, and spectators for a great day’s football. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and we will see you at Concord in January.
Sean Wright
Away from the on-field action, it is congratulations -again- to our Referee’s Secretary Sean Wright for his award as Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA’s match official of the Year at a recent ceremony at Doncaster Keepmoat. This award led to Sean’s National Match Official prize we are delighted for Sean, and it is another well-deserved award.
Well done, Sean!
Sheffield Children’s Hospital Fundraiser
This weekend the www.southyorkshireabilitycountsleague.com fundraiser in support of Ryegate House crashed through the £1600 barrier, thanks to another fabulous donation from Sheffield Foregmasters. With three weeks to go, we are getting close to our £2000 target, so if you would still like to donate, visit our Just Giving site at
Flawless Bradford City Claret lead the Premier Division
Bradford City Diamonds set the pace in the Championship
Mansfield Town Red just ahead of Dooley (Blue) in League One
Depleted Hornets Onyx bravely cling on to League Two leads
Dinnington Town join the 5-a-side competition
Successful bucket collection adds to Ryegate fundraiser total
There were seventeen games across four divisions at Goals Sheffield on Sunday,16th November, with the weather turning colder – but the heat was very much on the goalkeepers in a high-scoring afternoon. As always, www.southyorkshireabilitycountsleague.com was there to sum up the action.
In the Premier Division, the FA’s Match Official of the Year 2025, Sean, took control of the four games. In the first of these, it was a convincing win for Bradford City Claret over Base Hub Purple. It was not all plain sailing, as the Bradford keeper was forced into several good saves, but Claret’s finishing was clinical, and the three points were well deserved.
Having made their debut in the seven a side competition a couple of weeks ago, Dinnington Town were a welcome addition to the five a side league. Although they showed plenty of promise, the more experienced Sheffield Purple were just too good for Dinno on the day.
Purple were straight back in action, and this time took three points with a good win over the battling Base Hub Purple, with both goalkeepers making a series of fine saves in a hard-fought game.
In the final game of the day, Bradford Claret rounded off a profitable afternoon, beating Dinnington Town. The new guys got their “goals for “column up and running, but Claret were good value for the win in an exciting encounter.
So, after two weeks of competition, Bradford City Claret lead the way with a one hundred per cent record from their three games. Sheffield (Purple) are three points behind, with Base Hub and Dinnington poised to get points on the board in the weeks to come.
Five games in The Championship on Pitch six, under the watchful eye of referee Brian. The afternoon got off to an explosive start with a high scoring draw between Derek Dooley (White) and Mansfield Town [Claret] in a game which swung one way and then another before ending in a thrilling draw.
Next up, another cracking game between Hornets Jet and Sheffield Orange played at a fast pace with plenty of commitment from both teams. In the end, Sheffield Orange took the points and kept a clean sheet too.
Bradford City Diamonds look a strong outfit in this Division and got their afternoon off to a good start with a fine win over Derek Dooley (White). Dooley have done a great job in adding to their coaching staff this season which left Claire and Nathan able to take in all the games involving their teams and Believe added to his goals from that first match. However, a stunning long-range left-footed strike was the pick of the Bradford goals.
Mansfield Town brought their day to an excellent conclusion with an excellent win over Hornets (Jet), before a tremendous final match between Sheffield (Orange) and Bradford City (Diamonds); end to end stuff from two strong sides. It looked as though Bradford were going to run away with the match after a couple of quickfire goals, but Sheffield Orange battled back, and the result was much closer than it might have been.
After two matchdays, Diamonds have a nine-point haul from their three games and lead Mansfield Claret by five points, although Claret have a game in hand. Sheffield (Orange) are a point further back.
Base Hub (Blue) were unable to make it to Goals Sheffield, so there were just three competitive fixtures in League One for Tony to officiate on Pitch 8.
The first of these was an absolute cracker, a derby match between Mansfield Town AC Red and Mansfield Town FC Ladies. The Ladies raced into a three-goal lead before being hauled back to a share of the spoils with their club colleagues.
Next up, an impressive win for Derek Dooley FC Blue over Bradford City Emeralds, in a much closer game than the score suggests. In the final game, Mansfield Town FC Ladies rounded off a great day with a thrilling win over Bradford City Emeralds.
Mansfield Town FC Red have ten points from their four matches so far and have a narrow one-point lead over Derek Dooley Blue who have nine points. Mansfield Town AC Ladies have four points, with Emeralds sure to get off the mark in the next month or so.
League Chairman Mike was match official for the five League Two fixtures on Pitch 2, and the action got underway with a fantastic match between Club Doncaster Titans (Yellow) and Spartans, which Titans won by the odd goal in nine!
In Match 2, a depleted Hillsborough Hornets (Onyx) went down to a single goal defeat to Mansfield Town AC (Green), before Spartans took the win over Derek Dooley (Grey) who were themselves affected by injuries. Titans Yellow rounded off a terrific afternoon with a great win over Mansfield Town FC Green, a match in which both sides had their shooting boots on; and in the final game Hillsborough Hornets (Onyx) took the three points with am impressive win over Dooley (Grey).
Two matchdays in, and with all five teams having played 4 games each, Hornets (Onyx) have a three point lead despite their player shortage on Sunday. Titans (Yellow)’s two wins propel them to equal second alongside Mansfield Town (Green ) and Spartans. Dooley (Grey) have three points in what is shaping up, as always, to be a really competitive division.
One more Matchday for our five a side teams back at Goals (Sheffield) on December 14th. Before that, the 7-a-side groups are back in action at Concord on the 7th of December.
At both matchdays, there will be final bucket collections for our fundraiser in support of Ryegate House, which has now hit over £1100.You can also donate online using this link.
Matchday Two of South Yorkshire Ability Counts League 7’s at Concord
Team launched by former League President Darren Warner moves on
Tight games across three pitches in sunny but cold conditions
Flying start for Dinnington Town Yellows as they share Premier Division lead
Late Hornets (Gold) equaliser sees them level with Dinnington
Mansfield (Amber) edge Dooley (Red) and Wheatley in the Championship
Children’s Hospital Fundraiser halfway to £2k target
Eight games across two divisions in the South Yorkshire Ability Counts League, www.southyorkshireabilitycountsleague.com with Club Doncaster Titans now choosing to play their 7-a -side football in the Sheffield FA’s Pan Disability League.
Darren Warner founded Titans in 2014 and would go on, with our current Chair Mike Stylianou, to head up the South Yorkshire Ability Counts League with Titans entering a number of teams over many years. People like Andrew Robson (a former SYACL Welfare Officer and Committee Member), John Hibbert and Steph Hall – along with many other Titans – have made great contributions to our League and we wish them well in their new home. We are sure Darren himself would have been disappointed.
As a result of Titans’ withdrawal, Sheffield (White) has moved to the Championship through no fault of their own, with Mike forced to rearrange League structures and fixtures at the last minute.
As we all know in Disability Football, as one door closes another one opens, and we were delighted to welcome Dinnington Town Juniors to the League on Sunday. Fittingly, Dinnington were first up on Pitch Two against Sheffield FC (Blue) with Brian as match official. It was a tight, tactical battle, with both sides having chances; the best of these fell to the newcomers in the last minute, but a goalless draw was a fair reflection of the game.
Mansfield Town (Blue) had a difficult journey up the motorway which left them dashing on to Pitch One with match official Peter looking at his watch. In the end though, it was Mansfield who took the points with a win over Hillsborough Hornets (Gold). The only difference between the sides was Town’s clinical finishing in what had been a great match-up. Mansfield were straight back on Pitch One after a short break, but this time found the well-organised Dinnington side a tougher nut to crack. One goal decided thedestination of the points, and it came to James Scally’s Yellows. That single goal was enough to give the newcomers a first win in the Competition.
The final game in the Division was an absolute thriller between Hornets (Gold) and Sheffield (Blue), Sheffield’s keeper made a brilliant save just before half time, and Gold’s keeper a great stop as the second half started. It looked as though Sheffield would take the win through their clever opening goal, but Gold were not to be denied and driven on by skipper Alex snatched the late leveller their overall performance deserved.
In what is sure to be a competitive division, Dinnington share the early lead with Hornets (Gold), with the S6 side having played one game more. Mansfield Town (Blue) have three points and Sheffield (Blue) two following Titans’ withdrawal. Aston will now compete in the 5-a-side League.
There were four games in the Championship. In the first of these, the much-improved Derek Dooley (Red) shared the points with Mansfield Town (Amber) under the watchful eye of referee Mike. For much of the game, it looked as though Dooley were on course for three points until Amber grabbed a last-minute equaliser to take a point.
Next up, Sheffield FC (White) faced Wheatley Wanderers, and it was the Doncaster outfit who took the points with a 2-0 win. A deft touch from close range opened the scoring for Wheatley, and after Sean had rattled the crossbar with a long-range effort, Wheatley clinched the points with a second. It was tough on Sheffield, who had competed well and had had chances of their own.
Dooley (Red) then confirmed their resurgence with a fine win over Sheffield (White), including a clever close-range finish to open the scoring.
In the final match, Wheatley showed outstanding sportsmanship to match the six players of Mansfield Town (Amber) with just the six of their own. In the great game that followed it was Mansfield who took a 2-0 win in an end- to- end clash with both keepers in fine form.
After two matchdays, Mansfield Town (Amber) have five points from three games and lead Dooley (Red) and Wheatley by one point. Sheffield (White) were caught up in Titan’s withdrawal but are sure to be firing again soon.
League positions after two matchdays.
Thanks to all our players, coaches, officials, and spectators for another great day.
After a successful bucket collection – with all three match officials donating a good percentage of their match fees – our Christmas collection stands just shy of one thousand pounds. You can either donate in person at our matchday bucket collections, or via our Just Giving site. Full details at www.southyorkshireabilitycountsleague.com
In a fortnight, our five -a side teams resume at Goals Sheffield. Hope to see you there!
There‘ll be a new team with some familiar faces at Concord Sports Centre this Sunday, as Dinnington Town JFC’s Disability team make their competitive debut in the South Yorkshire Ability Counts League 7-a-side Premier Division.
Dinno – with a First Team, a Ladies Team and twenty-three other competitive teams down to Under 7’s are a well-established Community Club, founded in 1908, with over 350 registered players and over fifty coaches. They are based at the Blackout13.com Arena, formerly known as Phoenix Park, in S25, but this is their first foray into competitive disability football – and they can’t wait to get started!
“Our Disability team only formed three weeks ago, so this is a very exciting time for us!” Katie admitted.” It’s a big step forward for Dinnington Town, and we’re delighted that the team is part of the club’s growth.”
Asked how Dinno had joined the South Yorkshire Ability Counts League, Katie revealed that a familiar face had been at the centre of this new project.
” We joined the league following the team’s formation. We are fortunate to have a Manager/Coach like James Scally who has previously played in the Ability Counts League, and he has joined Dinnington this year. That experience certainly helped us make the connection and take the big step forward to joining the South Yorks ACL.”
Katie has realistic ambitions for the season ahead.
” For the first season, it is just about getting the players to gel as a team. Once the players are comfortable and working well together, the plan is then next season to push on and hopefully compete at the top of the league. ”
Welcome to Katie and the players, and welcome back to James. Dinnington Town start their campaign at Concord against Sheffield FC Blue this coming Sunday.
Find out how the new guys get on at our Website and Facebook pages.
South Yorkshire Ability Counts League to support Ryegate House, Sheffield Children’s Hospital in 2025 Christmas Fundraiser.
The South Yorkshire Ability Counts League, a pan-disability football competition fully affiliated with Sheffield and Hallamshire FA has decided, as in 2023, to support Ryegate House at Sheffield Children’s Hospital in our annual Christmas Fundraiser.
The League was elected Sheffield FA’s Grassroots League of the Year in 2023, and the Chair, Mike Stylianou was recognised for his contribution to creating a Positive Grassroots Football Environment. Earlier this year, our Referee’s Secretary, Sean Wright, received the national “Match Official of the Year“ trophy from the FA at Wembley Stadium.
Ryegate House offers crucial respite provision for children and young people up to the age of 19. Fantastic care is provided during overnight and short breaks for children living with complex neuro-disabilities, profound physical and learning difficulties, and conditions which are life-limiting. Many of the League’s footballers have benefitted from the special care Ryegate House provides.
The League holds an Annual Christmas fundraiser which has supported local foodbanks and the National Autistic Society.
In 2023, we raised over £3000 for Ryegate House at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, specifically for an outdoor shelter play area. Forgemasters (UK) contributed a fantastic £500 to the cause and were welcome guests when the cheque was presented to the Children’s Hospital Charity prior to a League matchday.
The League has now set an initial target of £2000 to fund sensory toys and equipment at Ryegate House.
Bradford City (Claret) and Base Hub (Purple) make perfect starts in the Premier
Bradford City (Diamonds) early Championship pace setters
Titans (Purple) and Mansfield Town (Red) off to great starts in League 1
Hornets (Onyx) are early League 2 pacesetters
Not the perfect conditions for our five-a side curtain raiser at Goals Sheffield last Sunday, but the rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of the 20 teams in action.
No photographs this week due to illness and absence, but here’s your handy summary of the on-field action in S2.
In the Premier Division on Pitch 8, Sheffield FC (Purple) got the action under way with a good win over Mansfield Town (Claret), before Base Hub United (Purple) edged a seven-goal thriller with Derek Dooley (White).
Enter Bradford City FC (Claret) with a fine win over Sheffield (Purple) before Base (Purple) edged another high-scoring battle with Mansfield Town (Claret).
Bradford (Claret) rounded off a great start with a fine victory over the plucky Derek Dooley (White).
Table after each team played two matches. Bradford (Claret) and Base Hub (Purple) lead the way with two wins each, three points ahead of Sheffield FC (Purple).
Dooley (White) and Mansfield (Claret) will be on the board before long.
Over on Pitch 6, in the Championship, Hillsborough Hornets (Jet) had certainly had their Weetabix as they took a resounding victory over Base Hub (Blue). In the next match, it was Bradford City (Diamonds) who secured three points with a hard-fought win over Club Doncaster Titans (Blue).
After Sheffield FC (Orange) had beaten Base Hub (Blue), Hornets and Titans (Blue) shared the points after a 1-1 draw.
In the final game, Bradford City (Diamonds) completed an excellent first matchday with another big win over Sheffield FC (Orange).
So after Matchday One, Bradford City (Diamonds) sit on top of the Championship with six points from two wins. Hornets (Jet) have four, and Sheffield (Orange) three.
On Pitch 4, the League One action got under way with a solid win for Mansfield Town FC (Red) who beat Bradford City (Emeralds). Titans (Purple) took three good points against newcomers Mansfield Town FC (Ladies), then Mansfield Town (Red) built on that great start with another high-scoring win, this time against Dooley (Blue).
Titans (Purple) enjoyed a big win over Bradford City (Emeralds) before Mansfield Town (Ladies) came close to making it a brilliant start before losing out to Dooley (Blue) by the odd goal in seven.
By virtue of their fast starts Titans (Purple) and Mansfield Town (Red) lead the way after two games, but the other three teams in this Division will have plenty to say before the end of the season.
So to League Two, on Pitch 2, and Derek Dooley (Grey) enjoyed a good win over Titans (Yellow) in the opening fixture. Spartans FC are usually on one side of a goal fest, and so it proved in the next game when they took the points in a high-scoring win over Mansfield Town (Green).
After Hillsborough Hornets (Onyx) and Titans Yellow had shared the points in a six-goal thriller, Mansfield Town (Green) got their season back on track with a cracking win over Dooley (Grey).
That left Hornets (Onyx) to claim the early league lead with a win over Spartans by the odd goal in nine-another great watch.
So, Hornets Onyx are the early pace setters in this Division, which is again shaping up to be really closely contested over the next few months.
So, October is done and dusted, and we look forward to the next 7-a-side matchday at Concord on Sunday, 2nd November, where the League will welcome a new team from Dinnington Town Juniors FC.
Thanks to all our players, officials, match officials and supporters, and look out for news of our Christmas 2025 Fundraiser in support of Ryegate House at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
Sean Wright is deserved recipient of FA Grassroots Award.
Building on the success of 2023, when the South Yorkshire Ability Counts League was named the Sheffield FA’s Grassroots Football League of the Year for 2023, and our wonderful Chair Mike Stylianou voted creator of the Positive Environment Award in that same year for his work with the South Yorks ACL and the Blades Superdraw League, our referee’s secretary Sean Wright was elected the FA’s Match Official of the Year for 2025.
www.southyorkshireabilitycountsleague.com caught up with Sean before our first Matchday of the 2025/6 season and asked him about the award. Twelve grassroots volunteers were recognised at Wembley on the 10th August, ahead of the Community Shield final, and although Sean – a referee for 22 years – was on holiday on the day of the presentation, his family collected the award on his behalf.
Not to be outdone, we caught up with Sean ahead of our first matchday at Concord and asked him how he first heard about the award.
“ I was contacted by Ben Grady from the Football Association, ” Sean told us. “ He said that they had reviewed all the applicants nominated and that I had won the award. ”
We asked Sean if his award had pride of place in his house?
“ My award is still at my brother’s in London, ” he admitted. “ I’ve not been able to put it on display yet! ”
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.
The Children’s Hospital Charity and the South Yorkshire Ability Counts League team up for new outdoor facilities at the Ryegate Centre
An update on the results of the Christmas 2023/24 successful fundraising campaign by SYACL.
A new outdoor play hut has been installed in the gardens at Sheffield Children’s Hospital – Ryegate Centre – and today, players from the S Yorks ACL visited the site to cut the ribbon on this fantastic new play area complete with learning and play facilities.
For readers who are unaware of the Ryegate Centre it is part of Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust which is one of only three dedicated children’s hospital trusts in the UK and provides integrated healthcare for children and young people, including community and mental health care as well as acute and specialist services.
They see children from 0 – 6 in most cases and in some cases up to 18 and provide a full range of services for residents of Sheffield and South Yorkshire as well as specialised services for patients from across the United Kingdom.
Ryegate House provides overnight short breaks for children and young people aged 0-19 with complex neuro-disabilities, multiple and profound physical and learning disabilities and life-limiting conditions. They aim to provide a home from home environment where a personalised approach is taken for the needs of each child or young person.
The South Yorkshire Ability Counts League is a pan-disability football competition, involving around 600 participants ranging in age from Under-12 to adult; players are of any gender, and live with a range of disabilities – physical, educational and emotional. The League was voted League of the Year by Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA in 2023 and runs a Fundraising campaign each Christmas.
The 2023/24 fundraiser raised £3090, specifically for outdoor play enhancements at Ryegate. Many of our players have benefited from the fantastic respite care offered by the team at Ryegate and so the cause was even more heartfelt.
The appeal total included a fantastic donation of £500 from Sheffield Forgemasters.
Welcomed by SCH’s Carly-Ann Whyman, who heads up the Ryegate Centre, and support team member Tanya, Spartans team mates Richard, Jake, Paul and Sam officially opened the hut. The guys were joined by The Hospital Charity Chair John Armstrong and Cheryl Davidson, Head of Community and Events and a Governor at SCH.
Also in attendance were S Yorks ACL Chair Mike Stylianou and League President Colin Muncie.
Mike commented, “ it’s great for our players to see the result of their efforts and for us to recognise the fantastic care Carly-Ann and her team provide. We hope that this is just the start of a team effort involving the Charity, our League and the Ryegate Centre. ”
The Christmas 2024/25 appeal is still open.
You can read more about the hopes and aims of the League at : -www.southyorkshireabilitycountsleague.com.
South Yorkshire Ability Counts League 