Monday February 08, 2010

SUCCESSFUL 2008-09 SEASON COMES TO AN END AT WYVERN SCHOOL ASHFORD

Once again our club season has been full of football and fundraising activities including competing in the Kent Pan Disability League, The Daytrippers tournament at the David Beckham Academy, The Champions Cup, The John Myers Cup and several tournaments throughout Kent, London and Sussex. Our fundraising and community activities have included a Race Night at Sittingbourne Greyhound Stadium, a Quiz Night at Eurostar Ashford, Men and Ladies Nights at Ashford Rugby Club, Freshers Fayre at the South Kent College, a parent/carers trip to Paris, the Wyvern school/club FA Three Lions programme and the club/school link with the Donata Disability school Zambia.

At the end of the 2008-09 season our three year funding programme with the Football Foundation came to an end, but we were able to secure a three year grant with BBC Children in Need, which carries through to the end of the 2010-11 season.

The club have secured extra funds through the Kent Community Foundation that has enabled the club to purchase training kit and equipment, fees for training courses and storage facilities for club equipment.

Several other funding sources secured have also helped in running the club activities which have included organisations such as Barclays Bank, British Airways and Nat West Bank. It also goes without saying that parents/carers of the players, coaches and committee members have been instrumental in providing extra income through fundraising activities donations and sponsorship.

Our club/school link with Wyvern have enabled the club to have a trophy cabinet put on display in the school, which is now almost full to bursting, after the club’s players won several trophies throughout the season.

The club produced a book ‘Invicta Valiants, a footballing journey’ to promote the club activities, and have also been involved in many local and national sports, education and health projects on behalf of sporting bodies and local and national governmental departments to promote and raise awareness on disability sport, healthy living lifestyles and social inclusion activities.

The club have been involved in projects with ‘Youth Active’, ‘Kick It Out’, ‘Change4Life’, ‘GUBOG’ and just recently ‘The Children’s Football Alliance’ Invicta Valiants Head Coach David Ramzan has represented the club and promoted the club’s activities throughout the season at ‘South Kent College Freshers Fayre’, ‘Ashford Carers Support’, ‘North School Opening Ceremony’, ‘Grassroots Football Live’, ‘Ashford’s Sporting Heroes Civic Ceremony’, and the ‘Invicta Valiants - In To Africa’ project Zambia’.

The club’s players have opportunities to take their game to a higher level with the FA’s centre of excellence coaching programmes run by County FA’s, where players can play County level football, with the prospects of progressing to playing International football for England disability squads.

Several parents/carers have taken their FA Level 1 qualifications to help with the club’s coaching activities, with more opportunities available to further their football qualifications in disability football coaching and age appropriated coaching qualifications.

Parent/carers of the players form the club committee, and they are also able to attend workshops and club development programmes through the Kent Club Connect Card initiative. Three club members have formed a sub committee to run and organise a club tour to Cornwall during October 2009, to play other disability club’s affiliated to the Cornwall County FA.

Next season will see some changes to the Kent Pan Disability League, where there will now be three age banding teams competing, as well as an adult league.

On Sunday 4th July, the club ran a GUBOG workshop for the football coaches and parents at Wyvern School, which proceeded the club presentation. Paul Cooper, one of the founders of GUBOG, delivered the session where the emphasis was on ensuring that football training activities were inclusive to all players by organising games that were fun and players learned through play. The club coaches took part in some practicle demonstrations and classroom based work on delivering football to youngsters using the GUBOG ideas, and how these games can be used specifically for young players with special needs and disabilities.

After a well earned rest, the coaches, parents/carers who attended the course were then ready for the club’s end of season presentation.

Guest of honour at the presentation were The Mayor of Ashford John Holland, MP for Ashford Damian Green and KMFM’s popular presenter ‘Webbo’.

Awards were presented to the club’s players and volunteers for the season’s activities, and a short film production was shown on the club’s project in Africa that was produced by Nash Issa for Meridian TV which we hope will be broadcast in the near future.

The following morning it was an early start for the club’s head coach as he was off to the FA’s Home Nations Championships in Lilleshall. The England Cerebral Palsy team were taking on Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in a series of matches played at the centre in Shropshire over the weekend. Full international squads, and development squads took part in a series of highly competitive 7v7 games. Many of the players competing started their football at grassroots level, and our club’s players have the same opportunities to become involved in International football with the varied disability squads at the FA.

Nick Lovell, son of Ashford Town manager Steve Lovell, was playing for the England development squad. David Ramzan had a chance to speak with Nick and several of the other England players taking part, as well as Jeff Davis the FA National Manager of Disability Football. England were the overall winners of the Home Nations Championship after a 1-0 win over Scotland, the last match on the day.

With the FA England disability teams comprising of Cerebral Palsy, Blind, Partially Sighted, Deaf/Hearing Impaired, Amputee’s and Learning Difficulties, there are plenty of opportunities for young special needs/disabled players to aspire to play at the very highest level of football.

Invicta Valiants are back in training on 31st August, ready to take part in the fourth season of the Kent Junior Pan Disability Football League.

Players, coaches, parents/carers and club members would like to thank all those organisations who have helped in regards to grants, funding and donations enabling the club to carry out another successful season of fun and competative football.

CHILDREN IN NEED GRANT FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

At the start of the 2008 - 2009 season the club were awarded a three-year grant of just over £23,000 by BBC Children in Need. The grant will go towards paying for match travel, training equipment, match venue fees, club insurance and affiliation fees, literature and club website costs.

A major part of the grant will go towards transport to ensure all the club players with special needs and disabilities will be able travel by coach to play in the Kent FA Pan Disability League and tournaments and friendly matches throughout the season.

ANOTHER SEASON COMES TO AN END FOR ASHFORD’S JUNIOR SPECIAL NEEDS/DISABILITY FOOTBALL CLUB

This season finally came to a finish with a fundraising funday taking place on 12th July 2008 at Great Chart Football Field, Ashford. In association with Ashford Winkle Club the club organised a fundraising funday that included a junior disability football tournament, penalty shoot out competition, football and sport skills games, Scalextric racing, Grand National racing, bouncy castles, face painting, music and a refreshment/beer tent and Bar-B-Q.

The club also held the annual end of season awards presentation at the end of the days activities. Several community organisations joined in including the Fire & Rescue Services, Ashford Youth Services, the Stour Centre, the Alligator Sports Activity Club, the TA and many more. There were raffles competitions and loads of great prizes to win.

This season the club have taken part in the second season of the Kent Junior Pan Disability League, with two teams from the club finishing in second place of their respective leagues. The league is run and organised by the Kent FA, and takes place at ‘Goals’ Dartford.

At the end of the league season a junior Champions Cup was played with the club entering two teams, under 11’s and under 12’s, with the under 11’s reaching the semi-final in a very competitive competition.

Throughout the year teams were entered into several tournaments held in the Southeast and London areas, including Hastings, Feltham, Maidstone and at the David Beckham Academy.

Friendlies were played home and away against Larkfield Youth, Maidstone Raiders, Feltham Bees (Brentford) and Charlton Athletic.

A home and away cup clash took place with St Margaret’s from Deal, where both club’s were playing for a charity trophy ‘The Joh Myers Cup’ won on the last occasion by Invicta Valiants. Both under 11’s and under 16’s took part, with results combined to decide the winner, on this occasion it was St Margaret’s.

Although the club applied for transport funding this season through the Tesco Community Award, the Co-operative Community Fund, and several government and local council funding groups, the club’s applications were unsuccessful which resulted in a reduction of players, especially those with their own transport and mobility difficulties, having a chance to compete in this season’s away matches, including the Kent league, tournaments and friendlies.

This has also resulted in a loss of a few players from the club who were disappointed that they were unable to join their teammates on away trips and felt it unfair that they could not attend these activities.

On a brighter note the club received a set of portable floodlights from the Kent community Foundation, that will allow training to take place during the evening winter months, especially when the club are running the Wyvern School football sessions.

The Kent Community Foundation have been one of the club’s main sources of securing funding and grants throughout the past four season’s, with the club receiving an award from the organisation and Ward & Partners at a presentation event held at Gillingham’s Priestfield Stadium.

The club are still actively involved in running football sessions at Wyvern school in Ashford, as part of the FA Three Lions School-Club link, and were visited at the school by local MP Damian Green along with representatives from the Lottery to speak with the players and club coaches about the work carried out in the community.

Throughout the previous seasons the club have been successful in securing grants and funding through many organisations including the Lottery.

The clubs sponsorship with Honda UK has come to an end this season, and we are now looking for sponsors for next season. The club’s Football Foundation Funding also finishes this year, and again the club will need to look for more grants and funds to enable the club to carry forward the work that has been ongoing over these past four seasons.

Several club fundraising activities took place during the season including an auction and a night at the races.

The auction took place in Ashford where parents, carers and friends of the club pledged to carry out activities including, carrying out building work, being a servant for a day, having heads shaved and generally pledging to make fools of themselves for the highest bid.

The race event took place at Sittingbourne Greyhound Stadium, where the club were greyhound owners for the night.

The club’s Christmas party also saw a donation made by Icon Display, the company had chosen the club as one of their charities for the year.

The club are actively involved in developing more opportunities for both girls and boy’s to play football, and received a Football Foundation Junior Kit Scheme Award, for both girls and boys teams. The club have run football training sessions at Ashford School throughout the past season on Sunday mornings and currently have over forty youngsters on the club register with ages ranging from six to seventeen.

Although the club have had more parents volunteer to take the FA Level 1 and the FA disability coaching course, we are still in need of more coaches and volunteers to help run the club activities. With the continued development of disability football by the FA and Kent FA offering more opportunities for boys and girls to young adults to become involved in the game, the club coaches and volunteers are limited at present to the amount of work that can be carried out through the club.

It was envisaged that we may try to develop a team for over 16’s, but at present this was decided against due to lack of available coaches at the club allowing the club to make this a successful move forward. The club also have some links with Ashford Town Rangers, and adult team organised and run by a parent of one of the clubs previous players who now plays in for their adult team. With both club’s working together it gives players from Invicta Valiants who reach the age of seventeen an opportunity to carry on playing in an older age group.

Ashford Town have recently unveiled plans to redevelop their ground ‘Homelands’ situated on the outskirts of Ashford, where a new football facility will be built to include, training pitches, changing rooms, fitness centre, multi functional indoor tennis court and hotel.

Invicta Valiants and Ashford Rangers have had discussions with Ashford Town, and it is hopped that by working together the club’s can provide even more football opportunities and develop more sporting activities in the future for people young and old who have special needs or disabilities.

The last tournament of the season took place in Maidstone at the Larkfield Youth Football Festival. There were two disability divisions, under 12’s and adults, and a somewhat depleted under 11’s team represented the club at the tournament. Up against Maidstone Raiders, Larkfield Youth and Hambro Colts the players did well to finish winners of the runners up play-off.

Training for the 2008 – 2009 season starts on Sunday 24th August at Ashford School East Hill. Players, volunteers are always welcome to join us in what is hoped will be another successful year.

LATE END TO SEASON BRINGS THE CLUB REWARDS

Border raiders take the cup

With the end of season coming later than expected due to the amount of activities that the club were taking part in during the last few months of the playing year, all the players at the club were involved in lifting some silverware to celebrate another successful season.

First the under 11's won the tournament in East Sussex organised by 1066 specials at the end of July, originally postponed due to bad weather. Both under 11's and under16's teams were entered, and the under 11's came away with the winners cup, and the under 16's just missed out on a semi-final place on goal difference.

The under 11's final was a very even match, 0-0 at full time and after extra time, the game was won on penalties against Sutton Eagles.

This final was a finale for two brothers who play for the club, both hitting the back of the net in the penalty shoot out. Invicta Valiants was originally set up by head coach David Ramzan for his young son to enable him to play his favourite sport football, later his younger brother joined in the club activities. The boys, who are both special needs, had never played together in a final and won a trophy, so it was a very special occasion for them both, especially as they are no longer able to play for the club in tournaments and matches in the future. Although it was a sad day for the two youngsters being the last tournament they were very likely to play in with their teammates wearing the red shirt of the club, it was a very good day for all the players involved with Invicta Valiants FC.

FESTIVAL OF FOOTBALL IS A HIT AT THE HOP FARM IN THE SPORT 4 ALL EVENT

The club were invited to take part in the Sport 4 All event at Paddock Wood Hop Farm on 11th & 12th August. With funds secured through Kent Trust for Youth Sport, Icon Display, and generous support from the Kent On Sunday, one of the organisers of the event, over 50 youngsters were able to take part in some fun football activities through out the weekend event specifically for junior players with special needs/disabilities.

The games based on the successful junior football development of GUBOG 4v4 football, was attended by players from Invicta Valiants FC, 1066 Specials FC, St Margaret's FC, Oakley School, Actionnaires, and individual players with special needs/disabilities invited through links with health and education bodies.

Paul Cooper, mastermind behind GUBOG, came along to lend a welcome hand in running some games and matches at the event, and gave out certificates on the day.

All the players taking part were awarded with Invicta Valiants and GUBOG certificates and badges. Pens, T-shirts, and magazines were donated by The Football Foundation, one of the clubs long-term supporters.

But it wasn't just football that the youngsters could join in with, as they had many opportunities to try out some other sporting activities from kart racing to a hair raising trip on a zip wire.

The club were also raising funds with a Spot the Ball competition, the top prize a Sports Car for the Weekend, donated by Drake & Fletcher, who brought a car along to go on display, and a set of Callaway golf clubs donated by the manufactures.

This was a great event to take part in, and a great experience for all the youngsters taking part. Both KOS media and the Hop Farm personnel were more than accommodating and made the whole two days run extremely well on behalf of our club.

SETTING SAIL FOR PLAYERS AT THE CLUB DURING THE SUMMER BREAK

Towards the end of the school summer holidays Invicta Valiants members took to the water in a series of sailing days at Westbere Sailing near Canterbury. Up to 72 youngsters will be able to try out some sailing at the centre, specifically set up for people with disabilities, over the next few weeks and later in the year during the half term break.

Funds secured through the Kent Community Foundation have given the club members a chance to leave the grass field behind and get on the lake and learn some new skills on the water, one of the many and varied sporting activities that were made available to the club members through this grant.

SPURS TOURNAMENT IS THE LAST EVENT OF THE SEASON AND THE CLUB ARE REWARDED WITH ANOTHER FINAL APPEARANCE

A late invitation to a tournament organised by Tottenham Hotspurs Community development unit took the clubs players to North London to compete against eight other clubs in a mixed abilities series of matches on Sunday 19th August. Two teams were made up from members of the club under 11's and under 16's, competing against other clubs teams of similar ages and abilities. The under 11's finished in fourth place, and the under 16's winning the final against another Kent club St Margaret's from Deal. The players had a great time, and although the format of the tournament was not a familiar one for the players competing, it was another good experience for the players from the club.

The players, coaches, parents and carers of Invicta Valiants would like to thank all those involved in helping the club with funding, grants, sponsorship and donations that have made it possible to run our activities on and off the football field.

During the 2006-2007 season the clubs players have competed in the countries first junior disability league, been the first youngsters to play for a special needs/disability club overseas, played other junior disability clubs home and away, played at the David Beckham Academy, taken part in numerous sporting and leisure activities, and have had the chance to mix together socially in many of the clubs fun events and fundraising activities.

The club has run a series of after school club football sessions through links with special needs schools and the Kent FA, attended and organised a series of sporting community awareness events and meetings throughout Kent, London and the Southeast, and have recently attained FA Charter Standard. Towards the end of the 2006-2007 season the coaches of the club decided to run a girls team, and have had a female parent volunteer to attend the FA level 1 coaching course to run the girls team next season.

Earlier this year the clubs committee met with parents/carers of the club to discuss the future development of the club, in football and other sport and leisure activities.

Due to Head Coach David Ramzan's change in personal circumstances it was going to be difficult to run the club on the same basis as before. So several options were discussed on how the club may move forward, one was the possibility of merging with an established youth or amateur adult club.

David Ramzan is no longer in a position to be able to organise the clubs activities as he has done in the past, and it was decided that the clubs activities would be mainly football development for the special needs/disabled players attending. As so much work has been done on establishing Invicta Valiants as Ashford and Shepways only junior special needs/disability football club for boys and girls, The clubs coaches, parents/carers decided it would not be beneficial to lose the clubs identity by merging with another club at present.

The club committee members, coaches and volunteers will run the club activities for the foreseeable future, and are always looking for more coaches and volunteers to help with club activities.

SHIELD RETAINED IN INTER CLUB CLASH
Near neighbours Larkfield were visitors for the inter club shield challenge at Wyvern School on 5th May, where our friendly rivals were out to win back the trophy held by Invicta Valiants. These competitive series of matches played home and away on a regular basis were organised some three years ago when both Larkfield and Invicta Valiants were the only two junior special needs/disability clubs in the Kent area.

Both under 11's and under 16's played two matches apiece against the visitors and the home side were winners in all four matches. Larkfield, whose players battled well playing some good football, couldn't get the upper hand over the opposition. Larkfield are due to visit us again in June, where they are bound to be out for revenge, hoping to take the shield away with them.

CLUB COACHES RUN INNOVATIVE FOOTBALL SESSIONS AT MAYOR OF ASHFORDS SPORTS ACTIVITY DAY
Invicta Valiants coaches were organising football try out sessions for a number of youngsters from local schools who were invited to take part in a sports event held at the Julie Rose Stadium Ashford on Wednesday 25th April.

The children were participating in several sports activities and our club coaches organised some fun football games based on the GUBOG 4v4 sessions.A series of mini football pitches were marked out where groups of players Were rotated around to give them an opportunity to try out all the fun football games. Give Us Back Our Game was formed six months ago to highlight the problems of touchline behaviour in children's football and to create a more child and player centred environment though small sided games, including 4v4s. The games were developed to including ALL children, making it fun and giving them the opportunity to 'play'.

With a majority of the children at the event either special needs or disabled, the games were an ideal way to introduce them to playing and getting involved in some fun football activities. The event was organised to bring together the youth of the area in sport activities and to make it fully inclusive to those with or without special needs or disabilities.

Other activities included cycling, athletics, a circus school, archery, and several other fun events. The day was backed and supported by Ashford Borough Council, the National Disabled Police Association, Kent County Council Sports Development Unit, the Kent Youth Service and several local based clubs, businesses and retailers.

END OF FIRST SUCCESSFUL LEAGUE SEASON

Invicta Valiants special needs/disability players finished their first season of the Kent Junior Disability League on Sunday 15th April 2007.
Although the club had entered four teams in the league, only three teams could take part in the last set of league matches at Goals in Dartford as a few under 11's could not make it to the tournament. All four teams did well over the season with just over 30 young players taking part in the league matches.

The first season for the league was a pilot project for the Kent FA, and went very well on the whole. As all players taking part have some form of special need or disability, playing pan disability football does throw up a few problems with teams being evenly matched, but it was a great experience for all those taking part. The Premier/Championship Division for Under 16's was won by Maidstone Raiders, the League Division by St Margaret's, and the under 11's Division by Charlton Athletic.

All Invicta Valiants teams were well placed, but we emphasised to players that taking part and playing football as a team where all players can join in what ever their ability is the most important part of competing in the league.

One young Invicta Valiants player did receive an award for under 11's League player of the season. We as a club should like to thank all those who have organised this tournament, and to thank all our funders for continued help with regards providing the necessary funding to make running our club possible, and giving our special needs/disabled players a chance to play the national game like thousands of other youngsters across the UK. Although the Kent Disability League has come to a finish for this season, Invicta Valiants have plenty of matches and tournaments coming up over the next few months.

SUNNY DAY OUT AT SOUTHEND-ON-SEA
ACTUALLY ROCHFORD NEAR SOUTHEND, BUT IT WAS SUNNY!

It was a bright day when Invicta Valiants took on the club
in bright yellow shirts 'Hambro Colts' from near Southend in Essex.

The team set off in their own bright yellow team bus from KCC passenger services, provided by a grant from The Kent Community Foundation and Sport Relief, which has enabled our club to travel as a group to our away matches this season.
Two teams, under 11's and under 16's played the opposition at their home ground in Rochford.

The under 11's took the lead against the colts in some exiting attacking play, but a mix up in the Invicta Valiants defence in the second half meant that Hambro scored, and what should have been a good 1-0 win turned into a 1-1 draw.

The under 16's were matching the opposition in good play, until Hambro started to pass the ball around, resulting in the first goal. Invicta Valiants were still trying to adjust to playing on the soft and muddy pitch when the Colts scored again, by half time Invicta Valiants were 4-0 down. In the second half Invicta Valiants made a come back scoring two, but Hambro scored before the end, and the game finished 5-2 to the hosts. Parents of Hambro Colts players provided tea, coffee, cake and biscuits, and all the players returned home to Kent feeling just that bit better. It was very good experience for all our players, and will help our teams leading up to the Kent Junior Disability League matches taking place next weekend.

A EUROPEAN ADVENTURE

Pioneering players from Invicta Valiants become the first ever-junior special needs/disability football club to take on teams from the continent

The twenty-six youngsters representing four teams from the Ashford based club travelled to Spain on a five day football tour, to play opposition from the Charlton Athletic European Soccer Schools, and four teams from a special needs school near Torrevieja. With coaches, parents and carers, the party totalled 51.

The players travelled to Spain on February 12th, for a welcoming reception by Soccer Planet representatives at the Hotel on the outskirts of Guardarmar.

The following morning it was off in the club team bus, to the training camp at the sports centre in Guardamar town centre. The morning comprised of some fun football activities, skills sessions and match practice. After lunch at the Hotel, and a leisurely afternoon on the beach, the players were ready to take on their first opponents that evening.

Under floodlights Invicta Valiants were up against teams from the Charlton Athletic Soccer School, watched by parents and carers with a mixture of locals.

Although the matches were billed as friendlies there was plenty of competitive spirit amongst the teams and onlookers. Charlton Athletic fielding two very good sides were the overall winners, and at the final whistle both club’s players were given a rousing round of applause.

The following day it was a very early start for the players, as the club had been invited to tour the training facilities and stadium complex of Spanish La Lega club Valencia.

The tour was organised through links with Charlton Athletic and Valencia sponsors Llanera, who ensured our team members had a day to remember.

While watching the stars of Valencia train, Invicta Valiants players were filmed by Spanish TV, with one of the club’s party being interviewed by a Spanish newspaper journalist.

The party also had a chance to talk with players from semi-professional teams who were using the impressive training facilities.

From the training camp, the Invicta Valiants club members were taken on to see the site of Valencia's new state of the art stadium, before moving on for a tour of the club's current ground, just to the south of the town centre. First the players were given the chance to see what it's like in the opposition changing room.

They then went on to view the club's array of silverware including the trophies won as La Lega Champions, and the UEFA cup and European Supercup winners.

From the trophy room the players went into the pressroom, where they took it in turns to see what it's like to be the centre of media attention in front of the microphone.

Out on pitch side the players took a rest in the main stand of the stadium, to gaze out at the 50,000 seats surrounding the playing area. At the end or the tour the party visited the club shop just before siesta, keeping it open while the shop was emptied of Valencia shirts and merchandise.

The Invicta Valiants team bus then took the party on to lunch close to very modern City of Arts and Sciences centre, from where the party had time to try out some local cuisine and explore the impressive architectural cultural centres before the journey back to Guardamar.

On Thursday morning the players were up early ready for more training, before a series of matches that afternoon. The Kent club took on the Mar Azul School teams made up from mixed ability players.

Four Invicta Valiants teams played in a mini tournament against the opposition who were used to playing in hot and sunny conditions on very hard grounds, and although all Invicta Valiants teams acquitted themselves well, they could only come through with two wins in all matches. Although one match in which the under 11's lost should have been a draw when the winning goal was allowed after an infringement, and the referee was one of the Invicta Valiants coaches!

At the end of the games parents, carers and coaches, from both teams mingled and discussed the opportunities available to special needs and disabled children in Spain, and it was surprising to find that there is a real lack of sports facilities and activities, even educational opportunities, for these local youngsters.

After the matches the Invicta Valiants party returned to the hotel for a presentation evening hosted by coaches from Soccer Planet.

The tour was rounded off with a beach soccer fun tournament on the Friday morning, where players and parents, carers and coaches joined in for some bare foot play. In the afternoon the players, parents and carers took some time out to visit the local shops looking for some souvenirs to take home as a reminder of five superb days when Invicta Valiants Junior Special Needs/Disability Football Club took on European Football for the first time ever!

This tour to Spain would not have been possible without grants, sponsorship and donations issued to the club. On behalf of the players and there families, club members and coaches we thank you for all your help and assistance in making this a truly unique experience.

NEW LEAGUE KICKS OFF AT GOALS DARTFORD

The Kent FA's innovative new junior disability league started on Sunday 26th November 2006, with teams from all over Kent, and one from East Sussex taking part. Invicta Valiants entered three teams in three separate divisions, playing teams such as Charlton, Gillingham, Larkfield Youth, St Margaret's All Stars, Swanscombe Tigers, Maidstone Raiders, and 1066 Specials from Bexhill.

Invicta Valiants players travelled in style to their matches on a KCC Passenger Services coach, through funding secured from Kent Community Foundation and Sport Relief, that will allow our players to travel to all away fixtures this season.

All three Invicta Valiants teams performed well in their fixtures, with a majority of wins, a few draws, and some loses.

For match results and league tables please go to

http://www.kentfa.com/development/disability/Disability+League/Junior+Disability+League.htm

NEW SPECIAL NEEDS/DISABILTY LEAGUE KICK OFF
The Kent FA, and English FA have now resolved the issues regarding the formation of Kent’s innovative new Special needs/Disability League. Because of certain health and safety issues due to players of differing ages, ability and special needs’ disabilities competing against each other [n teams, a new football structure has been devised to ensure all players will be able to compete in teams for competitive matches through the football season. Teams from Charlton, Larkfield, Gillingham, St. Margaret's, South Park Raiders, Hastings 1066 Specials, Swanscombe Tigers, along with ourselves will be playing in a series of tournament fixtures that will culminate in an end of season cup final competition.

MATCH TRAVEL ON THE ROAD

Invicta Valiants have been awarded a grant from Sport Relief through the Kent Community Foundation to provide travel to all our away matches during the 2006-2007 season. The team coach will be provided by Kent County Council Passenger Services. Due to the limited number of clubs throughout Kent running junior disability teams, most away matches are over a fifty mile round trip, securing this funding now means. That all our players will now have the opportunity to play in away matches from Hastings to London.

INVICTA VALIANTS PLAY IT LIKE BECKHAM

Players from Invicta Valiants under 11's and under 16's took part in the Daytrippers Junior Disability Football Tournament at The David Beckham Academy in Greenwich on Sunday 1st October 2006
Over Twenty teams entered the tournament including Chelsea, Charlton, Feltham Bees, Northampton, Bournemouth, Hastings, and Larkfield.

Both Invicta Valiants under 11's and under 16's competed in their respective leagues playing some excellent football throughout. At the end of the day both teams finished second in their leagues, the under 11's only loosing two games, both to the eventual winners Charlton, and the under 16's just missed out on top spot by a couple of points.
Although David Beckham was not able to attend the tournament, as he was due to play for
Real Madrid that same afternoon, he did send his best wishes via the hosts, and we hope to see him there at next years tournament, once again sponsored by the charity organisation Daytrippers.

TROPHY TRIUMPH IN CHARITY CUP FINAL

INVICTA VALIANTS WON THEIR FIRST MAJOR TROPHY IN THE JOHN MYERS CHARITY CUP FINAL AT DOVER ON SUNDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER, IN A CURTAIN RAISER TO THE START OF THE 2006-2007 SEASON

The team were up against St Margaret's All Stars from Deal in a hard fought match with both teams determined to take the silverware back home with them. Invicta Valiants went into an early lead, and were playing some good attacking football. By half time the Ashford based club were winning 4-1, but St Margaret's came back well at the start of the second half and were unlucky not to pull another goal back. Invicta Valiants were now passing the ball well, and soon scored their fifth. Both teams were performing to the top of their ability, with more goals coming from both sides. But at the final whistle Invicta Valiants had put the result beyond doubt, and the cup came back to Ashford.

NEW KIT FOR THE NEW SEASON
The players received their new kit during the summer, sponsored by Honda UK, just in time for a football battle in Hastings (Tournament in Bexhill) The summer event was organised by 1066 Specials, a neighbouring special needs/disability club just across the border in East Sussex. The under 16's missed out on reaching the final by q one goal difference, while the under 11's made it to the final, only to be beaten by Brighton. Both teams did extremely well and with each game and tournament played the players have shown remarkable improvement in their football skills and play. But as always our clubs philosophy is not what we win, but how the game is played, and that is for the enjoyment of our team members. We know some club’s only play their best players to ensure they always win, we play all our players to ensure that they all take part, and play the game.

CLUB LINK UP WITH WYVERN SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOL GREAT CHART

Coaches from Invicta Valiants special needs/disability football club in partnership with Wyvern special needs school are organising weekly after school football sessions for the schools students that started on 28th September

The school and the football club are working together to bring more football opportunities to the youngsters from the school and Ashford Borough. Invicta Valiants are working closely with the Kent FA, and disability development departments at the FA to bring more competitive football to special needs/disabled junior players, and with the junior special needs/disability league due to start later this year, all players will have a chance to compete against other teams throughout Kent.

This is a great opportunity for the club to work with Wyvern in what is hoped will be an ongoing partnership in providing even more footballing activities for those in the school and football club.

SUN, SAND, SAMBA AND SOUTH AMERICAN SOCCER

YOUNGSTER FROM INVICTA VALIANTS SPECIAL NEEDS/DISABILITY FOOTBALL CLUB ALONG WITH THEIR BROTHERS AND SISTERS TOOK PART IN THE CLUB'S LATEST INNOVATIVE ACTIVITY OVER THE RECENT BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND

The event was based on South American Beach Soccer, and included try out Samba and Latin American rhythms with the Beat Project, some tasty South American cuisine, and carnival and crafts based on South American local customs. Of course beach soccer was the main activity when a ton of sand was laid out inside an inflatable football pitch to simulate playing on a Brazilian or Argentinean beach, and the sun shone throughout the day to add some South American weather.

Players were allocated to South American teams to play in a five a side tournament, all the teams were based on famous South American club's including Sao Palo, Bolivar, Velez Sarsfield, Estudinatas, Universatario, and Tigres Unal. Each player received a club shirt to play in, and teams competed in two leagues, then a series of play-off finals. The winners received a gold medal and Sombrero, with the runners up receiving a silver medal and Poncho.

The South American Beach Soccer festival was organised through grants secured through Save the Children and the Co-op Community funds and without their support this event would not have been able to take place.

There were just over sixty people attending the event with the football club recruiting some new players through this fun football activity. The Kent Express covered the event that was featured in the following weeks publication.

END OF SEASON PRESENTATION WITH AWARDS FOR ALL

The 2004-2005 season came to a close in July with the clubs end of season presentations at great Chart Village Hall. Charlton Athletic and England's women's team player Sarah Snare was on hand to give out the prizes along with former Ashford Mayor Councillor Malcolm Eke, who is a great supporter of the club. Awards included Player’s Player, and Parent’s Player of the Year, Top Attendees during the season, and Best Goal Scorer Home and Away, as well as trophies won at the Junior World Cup Tournament. All players received squad member awards and club football shirts. There were also awards handed out to the clubs coaches, parents of the children at the club. At the end of the presentations everyone joined took part in a quiz competition while enjoying a buffet lunch.

INVICTA VALIANTS JUST MISS OUT ON WORLD CUP GLORY
Club players representing teams from Ivory Coast, Czech Republic & France took part in the first ever Junior World Cup Tournament for special needs/disabled footballers on Sunday 14th May 2006 watched by England World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst. Our under 16's playing in the blue shirt of France, just missed out on reaching the quarterfinals by one point. The under 11's playing for the Ivory Coast went through to the semi-finals of the Champions World Cup Salver, while the under 11's representing the Czech Republic made it into the final to be beaten by Germany (actually Larkfield Youth). The finals were organised by South Park Raiders, The Kent FA, and was sponsored and supported by BackOffice Consulting, McDonald's and Goals Soccer Center.

Mixed Fortunes for Invicta Valiants when Charlton Athletic make a visit

Both teams from Invicta Valiants were due to play their last home games of the season at the Ashford Mini Soccer Centre on Saturday 25th March.

The Under 11's and Under 16's were taking on teams representing Charlton Athletic FC, and on a very bright Saturday morning, it was perfect conditions to play some football. Although Charlton could only bring their under 11's, it was decided to play a match where all the players could be involved. In the first match it was a bit of mix and match, with some of the older Invicta Valiants players acting as substitutes, and making brief appearances on the pitch. With Charlton taking the lead, and then going on to score another, the young Addicks looked like taking revenge on the last years encounter with Invicta Valiants when the Ashford based club beat them at the club’'s Sparrows Lane training ground. Invicta Valiants hit back, then went into the lead after firing in two more goals. It was an end-to-end game with more goals for the home side, and all the players showing huge amounts of skill and enthusiasm. With Invicta Valiants in the lead, it was now Charlton's turn to try and get back into the game, and they did so to make the score 5-5. It seemed like that would be the final result with the clock ticking down, but there would be a final twist to the game. With only minutes remaining an Invicta Valiants player mistakenly handled the ball thinking the game had stopped, but a penalty was awarded. The spot kick hit the back of the net, and Charlton won the game in the last minute.

It was decided by both teams to play another match where all the team players could take to the field at the same time. Invicta Valiants transferred some of their older players over to Charlton for this match, and both teams kicked of again. It was Invicta Valiants who took the lead, and went on to score a few more before Charlton could reply. In the end Invicta Valiants were victorious winning 6-2. A very special thanks goes out to the organisers of the Charlton team for coming down to play in our last home game of the season.

Away trip to Larkfield In the Inter Club clash

In the last away match of the 2005-2006 season, Invicta Valiants visit rival neighbours Larkfield Youth on a cold and windy Saturday morning.

Hosts Larkfield welcomed the players from the Ashford based club to their home ground to compete for in the very popular Inter Club Trophy matches. Although the sun shone down on the field of play it was a cold encounter that was warmed up by the enthusiasm of the players taking part. In the first match the under 11's team competed in a very evenly contested game. Eventually Invicta Valiants scored the first goal, then followed with two more before Larkfield could answer back with a goal in the second half. With just a few minutes remaining Larkfield were awarded a penalty that was struck home past the visitor’'s keeper. But it was not enough to stop Invicta Valiants recording a 3-2 win in the first match. The second match took place between the under 16's, and Larkfield scored an early goal, and were then unlucky not to add a second, the goal being ruled out because of an injury sustained by the Invicta Valiants keeper just before the ball found the back of the net. The visitors drew level, then went into a two-goal lead. Another goal followed for the visiting team before Larkfield hit back, the game finally finishing 4-2 to Invicta Valiants.

Invicta Valiants retained the Inter Club Shield for the first time, and all the players involved are looking forward to next season’'s encounters with Larkfield Youth.

Trip to the seaside for a match against Brighton

It was an early start for Invicta Valiants on Saturday 11th February,when the players boarded the minibus, courtesy of Ashford Mencap, for the away friendly against Brighton.

Arriving at the club's training venue in Worthing, Invicta Valiants realised that they were up against some stiff opposition, after watching the Brighton players in their warm up.

Three games were played with Invicta Valiants doing well in the first by drawing the game 1-1, in the second, it was 1-1, with a few minutes to go, when Brighton scored what would be the winner, as the match ended 2-1. The third match ended 3-0 to the home team, but in all three matches Invicta Valiants battled well against their very enthusiastic opponents. This was not the first time Invicta Valiants had met the team from the south coast, as they had played each other last year in a tournament at Feltham, West London.

At the end of proceedings, club captains received trophies, and all players received a commemorative medal, supplied by the home team. Invicta Valiants presented a player of the match trophy for both sides.

WEMBLEY BOUND VALIANTS

Invicta Valiants were on the way to Wembley last Sunday to take on a club from North London. IPOP, a club run by Bryony Esmat and based in Barnet, invited Invicta Valiants to a match at their home venue the impressive Powerleague Centre Mill Hill. Both under 16's and under 11's played against their IPOP counterparts in two thrilling matches.

Invicta Valiants under16's took an early lead, while IPOP were getting into their stride, more goals followed, and it seemed that the Valiants were going to run away with the game. At half time it looked an easy win for the visitors, but as the game wore on the Valiants started to wear down. IPOP pulled a few goals back, and with just five minutes of the match remaining went in to a two-goal lead. At the final whistle IPOP were winners 12-10.

In the under 11's match the youngster from Invicta Valiants were up against some excellent opposition, the match stood at 0-0 well into the first half of the game. The first to score were the visitors, who went on to score a few more before the break. IPOP came back into the match in the second half, but by then the Valiants were well in front, with the match finishing 12-4 to the visiting team.

All the players were awarded with a certificate, and trophies went to both club's player of the match for both ages. Invicta Valiants would like to thank IPOP for arranging this match, and we all hope to meet up again soon.

Invicta Valiants Honoured by BBC TV & Radio

At the Prestigious BBC South East Awards 2005, Invicta Valiants picked up the Young Team of the Year Award.

Along with sporting heroes like Kent and England cricketer Geraint Jones, Olympic Ice Skating Champion Jane Torvil, Charlton Athletics' Luke Young, and Brighton & Hove FC's manager Mark McGhee all the players of the Ashford based club were recognised for their achievements by winning this award that was received Invicta Valiants player Alex Ramzan on their behalf.

MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE

Honda are the latest company to support the club with an exclusive three-year kit and equipment sponsorship package

The organisation's generous sponsorship will go towards items such as brand new tracksuits for all our players, and a complete new set of kit for the 2006-2007 season. This comes in time for start of the proposed Kent Junior Disability Football League. Although the Kent FA are still awaiting confirmation from the FA, the games governing body, that the league can become official the club's involved will still be playing in a series of friendlies until the leagues outcome has hopefully been decided early next year.

Co-op Community Dividend Award Kick's off the Club's season

The Award received by the club at the end of last season, was officially presented by Area Committee Member Mr Les Lawrie and his wife Jane, at the club’'s training session on Sunday 9th of October.

The £500 award will go towards funding the club's training equipment and venue hire, as well as presentation trophies such as the club's latest Interteam Co-op Cup. Each player also received their brand new shin pads, purchased from the funds awarded, that the players will use for training and forthcoming matches.

INVICTA VALIANTS REACH THIRTY PLUS

With the club expanding at a rapid rate, players on the club's register now total 31. Since the start of the season player numbers have almost doubled with the club now running two teams: Under 11's and under 16’'s.

It was just over a year ago that the special needs/disability club started fun football sessions with an initial six players, since then Invicta Valiants have entered several tournaments played many friendly matches including clashes with local rivals Larkfield Youth, and Premier League Charlton Athletics' junior special needs/disability team. The Kent FA are in the process, along with the FA, of developing a junior special needs/disability league, where the club will play fixtures on a regular basis home and away all over the area of Kent.

But along with the clubs continued development comes extra costs, and the club, who are a non-profit making voluntary organisation, are constantly trying to raise funds that will enable Invicta Valiants to provide free football for children with special needs/disabilities for the foreseeable future.

With a three-year grant from the Football Foundation, and funding secured for the 2005-2006 season from The Co-op, Barclays, Kent County Council, Ashford Council, The Winkles Community Club from Great Chart, and Honda UK who are providing this season's training kit and team kits for the 2006-2007 season, are now the latest organisation to support the club with funding.

The Mayor of Ashford makes an appearance at the club’'s first match of the season.

Councillor Malcolm Eke Mayor of Ashford and his wife were guests of honour when Invicta Valiants took on Maidstone based South Park Raiders at the Ashford Mini Soccer Centre on Saturday 15th October. Both teams played extremely well, and the Mayor and Mayoress enjoyed watching some attacking football from all the teams. There were two age groups playing, under 11's and under 16's, South Park Raiders were the Victors in two matches, with the home side only managing a draw in another. For many of our new players this was the very first time they had ever played in a competitive match, and all are looking forward to playing in more regular matches.

The following home fixture on the 22nd, saw old rivals Larkfield visit the Ashford Mini Soccer Centre where both of our teams played a match each. Larkfield brought back the Inter Club Shield that they currently held, and it was up to both Invicta Valiants teams to win the trophy back.

Once again the matches were played with great spirit and enthusiasm by both sets of players.

On this occasion Invicta Valiants were the winners, by beating the opposition 2-0 in both matches to claim the trophy back.

Carnival Time For Invicta Valiants at McDonalds Ashford during the Towns Carnival Day

A fun packed fundraising event took place at McDonalds in Ashford High Street during the Towns Carnival in August

Jean Keogh, mother of one of the team's players organised the days activities that included raffles, guess the name of a cuddly bear, catch a duck competition and several fun games for the children. There were some great prizes on offer from family days out to membership to a leisure and fitness club.

On hand to help out was Hamburglar, who didn't manage to run of with any prizes. The Lord Mayor of Ashford and his wife made an early appearance at the beginning of the day, and enjoyed a McDonalds breakfast after chatting with the players and their parents. Balloons, free gifts and club leaflets and newsletters were handed out during the day and the club would like to thank Jean, and the staff at McDonalds for helping raise a sum that should reach just over three hundred pounds that will go towards the Invicta Valiants Events Club activities, and all those who donated gifts and prizes for the games and raffles.

First match for Invicta Valiants kicks off at the Julie Rose Stadium Ashford

A great time was had by players and supporters at the 10th anniversary of the National lottery on 6th November 2004, where Invicta Valiants took on the very experienced Larkfield Youth team in an extremely entertaining match. Larkfield Youth, the only other disability football football team for under 12's in Kent, and who play regular tournaments against teams such as Charlton, Brighton, Bexhill and other established disability club's were the victor's by a single goal scored in the second half.

It was a battling performance from the Valiants, who's goalkeeper pulled off a string of brilliant saves. An inter club shield supplied by the Kent FA, was presented to the winning team, and all the players were awarded a medal as well as sports gifts donated by the Julie Rose Stadium.

The Invicta Valiants players also received their new branded training tops supplied by club sponsor UK Property Corporation, Ashford.

Invicta Valiants hope to win the shield back at the home of Larkfield Youth later in the season, and a big thank you goes out to the coaches and players for taking part in Invicta Valiants first competitive match

Valiant Shoot Out
Invicta Valiants held a penalty shoot out competition as a start to the festive period, and on hand to help out in goal was England goalkeeping ace David James. (well a cut out version anyway)

The Barclays FA Premiership and The Football Association donated prizes for all members of the club, and the penalty shoot out winners medals were donated by the Kent County Football Association.

It was an excellent turn out of players and family members at the Julie Rose Stadium Ashford where all the competitors showed off there shooting skills.

First tournament for the club and the players return with a trophy and medals
At the Feltham 7-a-side Special Needs/Disability football tournament on Sunday 20th March Invicta Valiants were up against some stiff opposition including Chelsea, Charlton, Southampton, Brighton Seagulls, and Feltham Bees (Brentford).

Invicta were in a group along with Larkfield Youth from Maidstone, a team representing Swindon, and a very experienced Chelsea team. It was no surprise that Chelsea finished top of the group. Larkfield Youth were second with the Valiants taking third spot to set up a group final with Brighton Seagulls.

The Seagulls went into a 2-goal lead, but Invicta Valiants battled on and had a goal disallowed before they were awarded a penalty, which was struck home by the teams top goal scorer and Captain on the day to make the final result 2-1. All the players received a medal and the team a runners up trophy.

The team traveled in style to and from the tournament in a minibus that was loaned from Ashford Mencap, and the players and their families would like to thank them for helping to make this a very special day for Invicta Valiants.

It’'s a TV special
Invicta Valiants featured on the Meridian Sports News in April, bringing some much needed publicity to the football club.

Iain McBride from Meridian TV filmed the players at a training day at the Julie Rose Stadium during the Easter holiday period. Both players and parents were interviewed during the session, and all the children involved enjoyed the experience of being celebrity players for the day. Through this great piece of TV publicity the club attracted some new players who have never had a chance to play football in a group before. Thanks, Meridian.

Invicta Valiants took on Charlton Athletic in a match arranged as part of Charlton’'s disability awareness day on Saturday 16th April.

Disability football is the winner when the club visit Charlton Athletic
Invicta Valiants traveled up to the Premier league club's training ground to take on a Charlton team made up from junior players of the club's successful community coaching scheme for children with special needs and disabilities. Invicta Valiants took on Charlton Athletic in a match arranged as part of Charlton’'s disability awareness day on Saturday 16th April.

There were plenty of goals in this highly entertaining match with Invicta Valiants finishing the game as the winners. Charlton had invited Invicta Valiants to play them as part of the club's awareness day, and after the match the teams went off to The Valley to watch Charlton Athletics' first team take on Bolton Wanderers, tickets courtesy of the club.

Arriving at Charlton's impressive training ground Invicta Valiants were eagerly awaited by the Charlton team who, like Invicta Valiants, don't have that many opportunities to play many games because of the lack of other junior disability teams in the area. Both teams played with Great Spirit, and Invicta Valiants took an early lead through some quick attacking play, they then went on to score twice more before Charlton hit back with a great free kick from just outside the area.

From then on it was a display of attacking football from both sides, with Invicta Valiants just winning out in the defensive area, a major factor in the team securing their win.

Invicta Valiants take on Larkfield but fail to beat local rivals when visiting the Maidstone based club's home ground
Due to play both Dane Court and Larkfield Youth on Saturday 7th May, Invicta Valiants arrived at Larkfield full of expectation after beating Charlton Athletic the month before. Missing a few players from that match, Invicta Valiants were keen to reverse the outcome of the club’'s previous encounters where Larkfield have won all the matches. But on the day Dane Court couldn't attend so Invicta Valiants played 6-a-side matches against two teams from the Larkfield squad. In the first match Invicta Valiants went into a two goal lead, only for the opposition to pull two goals back towards the end of the match. In the second game it was 0-0 at half time, but with some of the younger Invicta Valiants players tiring in the second half, Larkfield took advantage and scored five without reply.

It was an enjoyable day for all players involved and although the Invicta Valiants team were disappointed to lose out in the last match, the experienced gained will help out in future matches

The soccer world hears that Manchester United's Portuguese International put pen to cloth when he signs up for the Invicta Valiants Grand Prize Draw!
Cristiano Ronaldo signed a Manchester United club shirt, and an Invicta Valiants away shirt, to help raise funds for the children's special needs/disability football club based in Ashford.

While completing filming of a new TV commercial, Cristiano took time out to add his name to their fund raising appeal. While in the studio the star player carried out some clever ball juggling skills, then signed the ball and added it to the list of great prizes. Cristiano wishes the club the very best success in their fund raising event at the Festival of Mobility and Sport on 2nd July 2005, at The Julie Rose Stadium, Ashford. Cristiano was presented with a book made up with pictures and letters drawn and written by the children thanking him for his help with the fundraising event.

Co-op that!
Club awarded £500 in the Co-op Group Community Dividend scheme. Our successful application for funding came through at the end of the season, and the money secured will help the club pay for our training venue next season. Our thanks go out to the Co-0p Group in helping towards the club’'s development costs.

GRAND FINALE TO THE BIG KICK OFF GRAND PRIZE DRAW
With the club looking forward to next season but unsure if funds would be available to help the club carry out it's work of developing junior football for children with special needs and disabilities, It was cheers all around at The Festival of Mobility and Sport on Saturday 2nd June.

The club were taking part in the festival at the Julie Rose Stadium Ashford, where the football club's grand prize draw finale took place with Cristiano Ronaldo's signed and framed Manchester United Shirt. All proceeds raised went into funding for the club.

Football Foundation awards grant to the club
After Invicta valiants applied through the Football Foundation's small grants scheme some weeks ago the club are pleased to announce that we have received a grant of £7,942 to help run the club for the next three years. The grant will help pay for training venues, publicity material, equipment, coaches training, hire of pitches for matches, and much, much more. A big thank you goes out to all at the Football Foundation from all those at the club.

Thank you.

New junior special needs league to kick off next season
The Kent FA have proposed forming a junior league for special needs teams that will start towards the end of September 2005.

At present eight teams will be asked to take part including Invicta Valiants, Larkfield Youth, Charlton Athletic, St Margaret's All Stars, and Southpark Raiders. Played on a home and away basis, matches will take place either on a Saturday or Sunday with the Kent FA organising the fixtures and running of the league, kick off times will depend on the club's involved planning the best times suitable for their teams.

Invicta Valiants will be using the Towers school for training next season and it will be proposed that this will be the home venue where the club's fixtures will take place. A cup competition will also take place involving the teams in the league. Since forming Invicta Valiants have only had the opportunity to play friendlies and tournaments, now it is hoped that we will play regular matches in a an organised league structure in the very near future