A unique day of friendly matches between Lothian Hibernian and Everton Foundation took place at Hibernian FC’s state-of-the-art Training Centre in East Lothian on Saturday 25 September.
Staged to raise the profile of Disability Football in Scotland and to provide more opportunities for footballers with learning disabilities in the region, the event was a resounding success offering over 60 players the chance to take part in competitive games across the afternoon. To celebrate the new friendships created, medals were awarded to all participants and a new trophy was presented to visitors Everton.
Renowned for having one of the largest and most respected disability football programmes in world football, The Everton Foundation were delighted with the visit and have invited Lothian Hibernian to Merseyside for a similar day of football activities.
Councillor Paul McLennan, East Lothian Council, who was on hand during the event to present awards to all of the players, said: “It was a fantastic day of football by both teams. Lothian Hibernian are part of a growing recognition of Disability Football and I am sure that with East Lothian Council supporting Lothian Hibernian and the Hibernian Foundation we can contribute towards widening accessibility to all who want to play the game.
“Everton FC and its Disability programme are a fantastic example of what we would all like to achieve. We look forward to working with the groups as we aspire to this.”
Steve Johnson, Disability Football Development Officer, Everton Football Club, added: “I would like to thank everyone involved for inviting Everton's disabled teams to play against Lothian Hibernian on Saturday. Everyone from Everton had a fabulous experience. Everything about the day was excellent, the facilities, the hospitality and the opposition. To build on this new relationship we’d like to invite the Lothian Hibernian teams to Merseyside for a return fixture.”
Hibernian Community Foundation Director, Tom McFarlane said: “The Community Foundation Board is delighted that over 60 players and coaches from Lothian Hibernian and Everton enjoyed their day at The Hibernian Training Centre. The weather stayed kind for the teams and Lothian Hibernian enjoyed their chance to play against top level opposition. Players, spectators and guests, including East Lothian Council leader Paul McLennon, all commented on how much they had enjoyed the experience.
“Lothian Hibernian at this time has a limited number of competitive opportunities across the season, so we were all delighted that Everton accepted our invitation to come and play in Scotland. Many friendships were formed on the day and with Everton inviting us down to enjoy some Merseyside hospitality, we looking forward to a rematch and building on those friendships.”
The partnership between the Hibernian Community Foundation and Lothian Special Olympics to form 'Lothian Hibernian' continues to grow in strength since launching in the summer of 2009. Aimed at creating and promoting positive opportunities for players with learning disabilities, the partnership has celebrated success over the past 12 months; by supporting and taking part in The Scottish Disability National 7-a-side Football championships, and through a partnership with the Hibernian FC Professional Youth Academy helped to secure ‘Best Community Initiative’ by an SPL Club during Season 2009/10.
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