In February of 2014, Darren completed his level 1 and was able to launch the then called “Doncaster Titans” on the 7th June with just 8 players. Since then the club has gone through some major transitions and gone from strength to strength, joining forces with “Club Doncaster” in 2016 to create the club as it’s known today “Club Doncaster Titans.” The club now has over 100 players starting from as young as 5 years old.
Josh Collinson
SYACL: Tell us a little about yourselves, what position you play, who you play for, and how you got into football.
I am Joshua Collinson and I have trouble speaking because of a stutter; I play as goalkeeper for Doncaster Titans.
I was inspired to get into football when I had watched the England football team play an International match.
SYACL: What do you enjoy most about playing for Club Doncaster Titans?
I enjoy playing together with a team and working hard alongside my teammates in order to help the team achieve great things.
SYACL: What’s your favourite part about playing in the SYACL?
My favourite part in playing in the SYACL is playing against different teams in order to keep pushing myself to improve my own form, whenever I’m in goal.
SYACL: Do you have a favourite professional team, and who is your favourite player?
My favourite professional team is Liverpool FC and my favourite player is Steven Gerrard. He has always inspired the team into making amazing comebacks against teams like AC Milian in 2005 in the Champions League Final and West Ham in 2006 in the FA Cup Final.
SYACL: What would you say to someone who wanted to play in the SYACL but was maybe a little shy or nervous about joining a team?
I would tell them that it’s ok to be shy and it’s ok to be nervous because joining a team and playing in the SYACL can be a big step. If they feel they are ready and willing to work hard, both as a player and in a team, then come along and be in it.
SYACL: How well do you think your team will do this season?
I think my team will do very well if we continue to train hard and help each other in improving our performances for each match.
John Hibbert
SYACL: Tell us a little about yourself, what position you play, who you play for, and how you got into football?
My name is John Hibbert and I started by bringing my grandson to football because his dad was suffering from leukaemia, so I said I would take him. I was going for a little while and sometimes numbers were down, so some parents joined in and Daz asked me to join the adult team. It’s the best thing that ever happened to me; I lost five stones in the first year and it has done wonders for my self-esteem. Now I’m a Club Doncaster Titans coach and I’m loving it at the minute.
SYACL: What do you enjoy most about playing for Club Doncaster Titans?
I enjoy being part of a team. At my age ten years ago, I would not have thought I could be part of another family, apart from my own.
SYACL: What’s your favourite part about playing in the SYACL?
My favourite part about playing in the SYACL is to be able to see people with different disabilities enjoying themselves.
SYACL: Do you have a favourite professional team, and who is your favourite player?
My favourite team used to be Manchester United, but now it’s Club Doncaster Titans; I don’t have a favourite player – they are all my favourites in their own way.
SYACL: What would you say to someone who wanted to play in the SYACL but was maybe a little shy or nervous about joining a team?
I would say to a person who is a little shy – if you want to play in the SYACL group, do not be scared; we were all like this at first! We are like a family, so welcome my brother or sister!
SYACL: How well do you think your team will do this season?
I cannot predict the outcome of the season, but I think we are good enough to win the League on our day.
Rich Ridley
SYACL: Tell us a little about yourself, what position you play, who you play for, and how you got into football?
My name is Richard Ridley and I’m 35 years old and play for Doncaster Titans; I work for the NHS and play in defence, but I can play goalkeeper or midfield. I’ve been playing for a few months and I got into football at a young age to escape my problems at home.
SYACL: What do you enjoy most about playing for Club Doncaster Titans?
I have played for many teams, but Titans have treated me like part of the family, so I don’t see my team mates as players but family.
SYACL: What’s your favourite part about playing in the SYACL?
Everyone is friendly and are easy to talk to no matter their learning disabilities.
SYACL: Do you have a favourite professional team, and who is your favourite player?
My favourite football team is Cardiff City, and my favourite player of all time is Ryan Giggs. I think he is one of the most underrated players to play in the Premier League.
SYACL: What would you say to someone who wanted to play in the SYACL but was maybe a little shy or nervous about joining a team?
Come and try, as everyone will make you welcome; no matter your age, race, sex, or disability.
SYACL How well do you think your team will do this season?
I think Titans have a really good chance of winning the League as long as we play how our manager likes us to.
Daniel Hall
SYACL: Tell us a little about yourself, what position you play, who you play for, and how you got into football?
My name is Danny Hall; I’m 40 years old and play as a defender/midfielder for Club Doncaster Titans; I got into football at a very young age and haven’t looked back; I absolutely love the sport.
SYACL: What do you enjoy most about playing for Club Doncaster Titans?
The club is a massive family to me and will be part of me until I cannot kick a ball anymore. The staff and team are all great and we all enjoy each other’s company.
SYACL: What’s your favourite part about playing in the SYACL?
It’s well organised, and great to be part of a big organisation that puts hard work in to give us all the opportunity to play football.
SYACL: Do you have a favourite professional team, and who is your favourite player?
Unfortunately, I’m a Man Utd fan and have been all my life, so the joke’s on me; my favourite player is a past player, Andrei Kanchelskis.
SYACL: What would you say to someone who wanted to play in the SYACL but was maybe a little shy or nervous about joining a team?
Give it a go as Club Doncaster Titans have staff to accommodate different levels of ability and also help with building confidence; don’t be shy or nervous, as everyone I know, who was like this, now shines and loves the game and the team.
SYACL: How well do you think your team will do this season?
Title contenders; and we have the ability and team to win the League. Our coach is 100% efficient and gives us the training and ability to be Champions.
Phil Siddons
SYACL: Tell us a little about yourself, what position you play, who you play for, and how you got into football.
I’m Phil Siddons; I play wing-back or goalkeeper, and I got into football because of my father in law. He asked me to come one day and I enjoyed it.
SYACL: What do you enjoy most about playing for Club Doncaster Titans?
It’s like playing a game with family, we are all there for each other.
SYACL: What’s your favourite part about playing in the SYACL?
We are all treated equally and there is no discrimination about anyone’s problems.
SYACL: Do you have a favourite professional team, and who is your favourite player?
My favourite team is Newcastle United, but a close second is Club Doncaster Titans; my best player is Callum Wilson for NUFC and for Club Doncaster Titans, it’s Andrew Whittaker.
SYACL: What would you say to someone who wanted to play in the SYACL but was maybe a little shy or nervous about joining a team?
I would treat them like a family member; and don’t be shy, we have all been there, so we all know what it’s like.
SYACL: How well do you think your team will do this season?
I think we could come near the top if we listened to the manager more – and keep our positions!
Liam Taylor
SYACL: Tell us a little about yourself, what position you play for, and how you got into football?
I’m Liam Taylor and I am 24 years old and a midfielder for Doncaster Titans White team. I was looking for a football team to play for and I found Doncaster Titans on the Sheffield FA website.
SYACL: What do you enjoy most about playing for Club Doncaster Titans?
I really enjoy playing for Doncaster Titans because I have met and made new friends and it’s like one big family.
SYACL: What’s your favourite part of playing in the SYACL?
My favourite part of playing in the SYACL is playing against other teams in a League.
SYACL: Do you have a favourite professional team, and who is your favourite player?
My favourite team is Doncaster Rovers, and my favourite player is James Coppinger because he is a great role model to other players in the team. He builds their confidence up during the matches I have watched him in.
SYACL: What would you say to someone who wanted to play in the SYACL but was maybe a little shy or nervous about joining a team?
It is a great League to play in and you will see other teams, who play in the League, and what level they are at – and you will make new friends too.
SYACL: How well do you think your team will do this season?
I think my team Doncaster Titans White will have a great season; we have a great bunch of lads and we are playing some great football. We have just been unlucky with our results at the minute.
Asten Quinton
SYACL: Tell us a little about yourself, what position you play, who you play for, and how you got into football?
My name is Asten Quinton and I play for Club Doncaster Titans. The majority of the time I play as a midfielder, but I am versatile. I originally got into football because I wanted something to do with my friends, but I carried on because I made a lot of new friends and enjoyed it a lot.
SYACL: What do you enjoy most about playing for Club Doncaster Titans?
The thing I enjoy the most is the energy of the team, especially during training; this is because everyone trains hard to improve themselves.
SYACL: What is your favourite part of playing in the SYACL?
My favourite part is, no matter the result or the team, that everyone respects each other and shows good sportsmanship.
SYACL: Do you have a favourite professional team, and who is your favourite player?
My favourite team and player is Chelsea and Eden Hazard; Hazard is my favourite player because he was the first footballer I ever heard of and his style of play made me like football to start with.
SYACL: What would you say to someone who wanted to play in the SYACL but was maybe a little shy or nervous about joining a team?
I would say to them join in training for one session and meet everyone, so you can see how great everyone is.
SYACL: How well do you think your team will do this season?
I don’t know how good every other team is; however, I believe if everyone is on it for the most part, we can challenge for first place.
Andrew Whittaker
Today we talk to Andrew Whittaker, striker for Club Doncaster Titans.
SYACL: Tell us a little about yourselves, what position you play, who you play for, and how you got into football?
Midfield/striker for Club Doncaster Titans and always enjoyed football. After being blinded in a car accident I didn’t think it would be possible to play again! The Ability Counts League and Doncaster Titans have given me that opportunity again.
SYACL: What do you enjoy most about playing for Club Doncaster Titans?
The camaraderie amongst the team and the great management team makes it feel like a second family.
SYACL: What’s your favourite part about playing in the SYACL?
For me it’s the opportunity for us all to be on a level playing field regardless of our disabilities; there’s an unspoken level of respect amongst teams and individuals that you don’t get in regular football.
SYACL: Do you have a favourite professional team, and who is your favourite player?
Liverpool and Gerrard – a true leader and ultimate professional. Gets the best out of the other players and leads by example and could turn a game around on his own at times too.
SYACL: What would you say to someone who wanted to play in the SYACL but was maybe a little shy or nervous about joining a team?
Nerves are understandable, but joining a team and playing in the SYACL will be a decision you won’t regret. The bonds you will make with team mates and the positive feelings you will have from the game in this fantastic format will be totally worth it, I wish I’d known about it sooner.
SYACL: How well do you think your team will do this season?
It’s hard to say as the League can be really close most years. What I can say is that we have an awesome set of lads who are focussed and hardworking and we know as a unit that if we stick to the game we’ve been taught, then we can go all the way. We will continue to work hard and who knows…
Kaz Roberts
The SYACL Website talks to Titan’s goalkeeper, Kaz Roberts.
As part of our running series on some of the familiar faces in and around the SYACL, Margaret Gregory, our editor here at www.southyorkshireabilitycountsleague.com talks to Caroline “Kaz” Roberts, the brilliant goalkeeper for Club Doncaster Titans (Blue) 5-a side team. As usual, Margaret started by asking Kaz a little about herself.
“My name is Kaz Roberts and I am goalkeeper for the Blue Titans; I always loved playing football from the age of five.”
SYACL: What do you enjoy most about playing for Titans?
“Doncaster Titans are one big happy family and they welcomed me in with big open arms. You can also talk to them when you’re feeling down – and they do their best to cheer you up.”
SYACL: What’s your favourite part about playing in the SYACL?
“My favourite part about playing in the SYACL is being part of a team.”
SYACL: Do you have a favourite professional team, and who is your favourite player? Why?
“My favourite professional team is Sheffield Wednesday; my favourite player is Kieren Westwood – he is a brilliant keeper.”
SYACL: What would you say to someone who wanted to play in the league but was maybe a little shy or nervous about joining a team?
“I would say Doncaster Titans are one big family and we all look out for each other. If you want to be a proud Titan, then come and join our big, caring family.”
SYACL: How well do you think your team will do this season?
“I hope we finish mid-table as it would be great outcome – but it would be a dream come true to finish top!”
Stay tuned to www.southyorkshireabilitycountsleague.com for the latest news on fixtures, results and features, plus the latest Covid-19 updates.
SYACL would like to thank Kaz for her time and wishes her and her teammates every success for the rest of the season.
Archie Brook
SYACL: Tell us a little about yourself, what position you play, who you play for and how you got into football?
I am Archie Brook, centre back/ left back/right back for Club Doncaster Titans; and I became interested in football after watching the 2010 World Cup.
SYACL: What do you enjoy most about playing for Club Doncaster Titans?
The opportunity to play competitive football at a standard I feel comfortable playing in.
SYACL: What’s your favourite part of playing in the SYACL?
To have an even game against other teams.
SYACL: Do you have a favourite professional team, and who is your favourite player?
Sheffield United – Chris Basham due to him making numerous forward runs from centre back.
SYACL: What would you say to someone who wanted to play in the SYACL but was maybe a little shy or nervous about joining a team?
Everyone will make you feel welcome and there is no pressure on you.
SYACL: How well do you think your team will do this season?
Top half of the table hopefully.
Callum Hibbert
‘we are not just a football team – we are a family’.
SYACL: Tell us a little about yourself, what position you play, who you play for, and how you got into football?
I am Callum Hibbert and I play in defence for Titans after I saw an advertisement and since getting involved I have never looked back.
SYACL: What do you enjoy most about playing for Club Doncaster Titans?
The lads are down to earth and we have the best coach in Darren; he is so understanding with the players it’s unreal.
SYACL: What is your favourite part of playing in the SYACL?
That we can train and play with each other and most of all have fun; because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all is about!
SYACL: Do you have a favourite professional team, and who is your favourite player?
I support Manchester United and my favourite player is Marcus Rashford because he went through the Football Academy.
SYACL: What would you say to someone who wanted to play in the SYACL but was maybe a little shy or nervous about joining a team?
Just get involved really; everybody in the League is sound and it is okay to be nervous because I was; just message one of the teams and get involved. If it is anything like Titans, you will really enjoy yourself, because we are not just a football team – we are a family.
SYACL: How well do you think your team will do this season?
To be fair I think we can win the League with the ability of the lads; but if we do not it’s not the end of the world!
Cameron Mounder.
SYACL: Cameron, tell us a little about yourself, what position you play, who you play for, and how you got into football?
My name is Cameron Mounder and I play for Club Doncaster Titans as a defender, having developed an interest in football through a friend who used to play.
SYACL: What do you enjoy most about playing for Club Doncaster Titans?
I like to play with Club Doncaster Titans as we all get on and we have enjoyable sessions.
SYACL: What is your favourite part of playing in the SYACL?
Making new friends and lots of banter.
SYACL: Do you have a favourite professional team, and who is your favourite player?
I have two football teams that I support; Doncaster Rovers and Manchester United. My favourite players are James Coppinger and Edinson Cavani.
SYACL: What would you say to someone who wanted to play in the SYACL, but was maybe a little shy or nervous about joining a team?
Come along and enjoy the football – and make some new friends.
SYACL: How well do you think your team will do this season?
If we work well as a team, we will come second in our Division.
David James Fitzsimmons
SYACL: Tell us a little about yourself, what position you play, who you play for, and how you got into football.
My name is David James Fitzsimmons and I’m 34 years old. I live in a rented house with my brother and I have a black cat called Sony. My position is goalkeeper for the 7-a-side Reds Doncaster Titans team and it was playing football with my friends when I was younger that got me interested in football.
SYACL: What do you enjoy most about playing for Club Doncaster Titans?
I enjoy playing with my team members and learning and developing my goalkeeper skills and my confidence in myself.
SYACL: What’s your favourite part of playing in the SYACL?
For me it’s taking part in the League and the tournaments, meeting lots of new people and teams.
SYACL: Do you have a favourite professional team, and who is your favourite player?
My favourite team is Leeds United and although I don’t have a favourite player as such, I do like watching Illan Meslier and Patrick Bamford.
SYACL: What would you say to someone who wanted to play in the SYACL but was maybe a little shy or nervous about joining a team?
I would say that the SYACL is the best organisation if you want to meet and make new friends and join a team; but more importantly just to play football and have fun.
SYACL: How well do you think your team will do this season?
I would like for my team to win the season this year, but if not then to be placed in the top 4 would be nice and a good achievement.
Brad Hays
SYACL: Tell us a little about yourself, what position you play, who you play for, and how you got into football.
I’m Bradley Hays, I’m 21 years old and I play for Club Doncaster Titans, in the position of goalkeeper. I got into football because I’ve always liked sport and playing for the Titans allowed me to do this. I also like music, card and board games, going to the theatre and playing quizzes.
SYACL: What do you enjoy most about playing for Club Doncaster Titans?
I enjoy meeting new people and making friends with them and being able to learn everything about goalkeeping.
SYACL: What’s your favourite part about playing in the SYACL?
Meeting new players whether that is for the Blue team or for the Yellow Team and seeing how they play.
SYACL: Do you have a favourite professional team, and who is your favourite player?
Manchester United with my favourite player being David De Gea because I’m able to see how he comes out of his goal area and narrows the angle.
SYACL: What would you say to someone who wanted to play in the SYACL but was maybe a little shy or nervous about joining a team?
Don’t be shy or nervous. Whatever the team you going to play for they’ll always make you welcome and it’s fun. It doesn’t matter if you’re not the best player in the word as long as you try your best.
SYACL: How well do you think your team will do this season?
I’m not bothered as long as we all enjoy it.
South Yorkshire Ability Counts League 