Disability football: Orby FC celebrate trophy double at league awards

Orby FC were named the first winners of the Sporting Shield at the awards ceremony for the Linkage Ability Counts League on Friday, sponsored by the learning disability charity for Lincolnshire.

Orby manager Louise Polydore was also presented with the Nigel Hoggarth Award for services to disability football for her five years at the helm. Louise, who is manager of the Orby Opportunities Centre, said: “The players enjoy their football and it goes to show what you can achieve for the clients.

“We are a day centre and not a sports club, yet there is so much enthusiasm.”

Gainsborough-based Midtown FC were crowned the top side in Lincolnshire’s disability football league after completing an unbeaten season.

Midtown, who recorded 12 wins and three draws, won the Championship, while Grimsby Town Disabilities second team clinched the League Division title from their clubmates Grimsby Town’s third team.

The top sides had already been decided before the final tournament of the season, held at Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School, in May.

The League, which brings all teams together for a series of tournaments organised by the Lincolnshire Football Association during the season, features sides from Scunthorpe, Grimsby, Lincoln, Boston, Skegness, Spilsby and Gainsborough.

Tony Barker, Linkage’s Communications and PR Manager, says: “Well done to all the winners of League trophies this year and I extend that praise to the staff who give up their time for tournaments and meetings. It’s been an exciting season with some terrific performances.”

Adam Thurston, Football Development Officer (Inclusion) at the Lincolnshire FA, said: “We would hope to encourage under-16 teams to become more involved in the Ability Counts League next year and to grow participation even more across Greater Lincolnshire.”