A double celebration is in order for the VIP Football Team.

Caritas Care are hugely proud of our VIP (Vision in People) Football Team on their runner up place in Division 4 of the Enrichment League. What an amazing result for a newly developed team just starting out in their first season.

Not only did they achieve this amazing result but they have gone on to win the League 4 Cup in games played at the Lancashire FA.

The team has been set up by Pete Robinson, a support worker in Caritas Care's VIP Learning Disability Day Service. He, along with his colleague Martin Dick, have coached the team and supported them to attend and compete in the matches.

Pete is passionate about football, both as a player, coach and supporter. He has a level 1 football coaching qualification and has previously coached under 8 – under 15 teams to county level.

After seeing a shared joy of football in some of the service users at VIP, Pete explored the opportunity for them to have their own team. He approached the Lancashire Football Association who pointed him in the direction of the Enrichment League, and so the team was born.

The team joined the league in Division 4 and went on to win 15 out of 18 matches throughout the season which has resulted in them receiving a well deserved promotion to Division 3.

Pete has said it has been a privilege to see the team grow. They have shown enthusiasm, determination and enjoyment in every game. The team have been proud to wear their new strip which was generously sponsored by Scruffymonkey Web design.

Chris Dawes, Director of Scruffymonkey said ‘We are over the moon with this result and so proud to sponsor them and follow their journey to becoming a winning team.  Long may it continue…great result team!’

Pete now has a desire to set up a second team, such is the enthusiasm of service users at VIP. He hopes to further develop the skills of the team through regular training sessions and by seeking grants and public donations.

A huge well done to the team and all involved. We wish them every success in Division 3.

If you would like to support the growth of our Football team and give chances and opportunities for more or young people with Learning Disabilities, contact us Caritas Care here.