A West Lothian football club which supports children with autism was celebrating after being named Local Team of the Year by sportscotland.
It was a night of double delight for West Lothian as Team United of Broxburn picked up their accolade while Scotland Woman’s National Team Manager Shelley Kerr, was named Manager of the Year.
Team United and Shelley Kerr picked up their awards at the star-studded Sunday Mail sportscotland Scottish Sports Awards ceremony on December 6 in Glasgow.
Team United were recognised for doing something unique in grassroots football.
Amid a growing number of disability clubs and groups, the Broxburn club become the first to offer young people with autism the opportunities, support and pathway they were missing when it came to playing sport in an environment they felt safe.
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Ann Brown, founder of Team United Sports, told the Courier what this award meant to her team and what sets them apart.
She said: “It is an amazing achievement for an organisation that was established two years ago.
“All the young people involved with the organisation are delighted and so they should be.
"I think the award is more precious because it was parents and carers and their stories that nominated us for this award.
“It is important that we are not only making a difference to young people but there is an impact on parents and carers.
“Team United is different from any sports club or group. It has never been our intention to be a regular team.
“We take time to know each player as an individual much the same way as autism affects them.
"Not every person with autism is the same and their condition can vary.
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“What concerns one may not concern another.
"It is important we take time to know this.
"We create an environment that uses sport to break down social barriers that prevents young people with autism taking part in team sports.”
Ms Brown added: “We add knowledge and capacity to clubs and work with their coaches to adapt their practice and include young people with autism.
“It is more than weekly sessions, it is a social programme with monthly outings and activities that allow them to learn how to become a team member using their interests to gain confidence, make friends and feel proud of their achievements regardless of how big or small.”
Team United also have programmes in Edinburgh, two in East Lothian and they hope to start a new younger team in West Lothian (6-9) and are hoping to work with Linlithgow to introduce rugby to their programme.
Shelley Kerr picked up her Coach/Manager of the Year award after guiding Scotland’s Woman’s team to the World Cup which will kick off in France next June.
Kerr’s team will play England, Japan and Argentina in the Group Stages of next year’s tournament.
