OLLIE & CAM

OLLIE AND CAM ARE IDENTICAL TWINS WHO HAVE DOWNS SYNDROME. BOTH BOYS ARE MEMBERS OF OUR PARA-ATHLETICS & LEARNING DISABILITY FOOTBALL PROJECTS.

Elaine Scougall shared her thoughts on the projects delivered by Dundee United Community Trust and the benefits they have had on her two sons.

“Both Ollie and Cam really loved sports but struggled to find a club that would accept them due to needing some additional support. The council put us in touch with Dundee United Community Trust when we were looking for opportunities. At that point, there was only the physical football class. We tried it but our boys were the only ones there that had a learning difficulty too, so the pace wasn't quite right for them.”

It was around this time the Trust expanded its then Para-Football Club to include new sessions that were suitable for children and young people living with a learning disability. The Para-Football Club continued to grow and was eventually rebranded as Para-Sports Club as additional sports, such as athletics and boccia, were introduced.

Elaine continued, “Dundee United Para-Sports Club has helped as the boys are now able to access not just a club but several clubs as they attend LD Football and Para-Athletics. It is also great to have a choice in sports as opposed to having to attend the only sport on offer. The introduction of holiday provision has been a very welcome change for us as a family as we have no other options for out of school care. Both boys have benefitted in many ways since joining Dundee United Para-Sports Club. Physically, we have noticed their fitness improve and their weight has also improved. Their confidence and independence have also been developed - their previous classes required us to stay in the room which inhibited their attention and personal responsibility. Their footballing skill is developing week on week as is their attention when following instructions. Finally, they are developing great relationships with peers in the club. All of this is down to the staff and volunteers involved in the sessions.”

If you would like to know more information about Dundee United Para-Sports Club, LD Football or Para-Athletics, or think you can help support the Trust deliver these projects then please contact Ryan Alexander, Para-Sports Development Officer, via e-mail or telephone.

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