Inclusion football club celebrates 25 years of delivery in Milton Keynes

A football club in Milton Keynes which opens its doors every week to participants of all abilities, experience levels and backgrounds is celebrating 25 years of delivery in the city.

MK Dons Community Trust, the official charity of the football club, operates youth and adult sessions on Sundays to engage those who wish to play football in a non-competitive environment.

The sessions are delivered at Woughton-on-the-Green’s Community Sports Pavilion by experienced FA and UEFA qualified coaches, some of whom have coached at the club since it was established at the turn of the millennium.

One of those coaches is Glenn Row, Lead Inclusion Coach at MK Dons Community Trust.

He said providing playing and training opportunities to those who cannot access mainstream club delivery for males and females is critical not only to players’ physical and mental wellbeing, but their life prospects too.

“Football can be used as a lever to inspire someone to become the best version of themselves – we see it week in, week out,” said Glenn.

“Achievements like passing a driving test or securing a first job might feel overwhelming for some participants we work with when they join.

“But football acts not only as a fantastic outlet to build confidence, but to develop skills critical to life as well as communication, relationship building, teamwork and decision making.

“To us, football is about socialising and having fun. And we’re proud to have delivered that to Milton Keynes for 25 years.” 

Since partnering with MK Dons Community Trust, the club has proactively represented the city by registering to the BOBi League - the Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Inclusive League – with the support of sponsors Suzuki GB.

It allows players who wish to participate in matches to represent the Dons in regular fixtures against other inclusion squads in the region including Aylesbury United, Brackley Athletic and Oxford City FC.

Matches are non-results focused, but enable those with physical, behavioral and other needs to access competitive football in a secure environment.

“We’re not results focused,” said Glenn. “We are purely about taking part, and creating equal opportunities for people of all backgrounds, whatever their circumstances.

“Being linked to MK Dons FC through our work at the Trust is critical to achieving that.

“It means we can reach a wider audience and provide the best experiences and opportunities for participants. Even small details like pulling on the MK Dons shirt means so much to the players and makes them feel like they’re part of the club, which of course they are.

“We encourage everyone to think ability, not disability. And our inclusion football squad epitomises our mindset that, with the right guidance and support, everyone can aspire to a bright future.

“For anyone who would like to get involved, we’d love to welcome you pitch side.”

MK Dons Community Trust’s inclusion football sessions run on Sunday afternoons between 1.30pm and 6pm.

The first 90 minutes is dedicated to youth players, aged 8-16.

Two adult sessions are then held between 3pm-4.30pm and 4.30pm-6pm, the first being for players with limited or no experience of playing football previously. The second session is for those who are comfortable taking their game to the next level.

Parents, carers and players can register their interest in attending by emailing information@mkdonscommunitytrust.com.