The London Marathon Sportsground, together with the London Playing Fields Foundation,are proud to have an Association with The South London Special League.

             Special League Kicks Off in Redbridge

October 2006

April 2007

New Tournament Date
It all kicked off at the London Marathon Playing Fields, Redbridge this Friday (13th October) when the South London Special League (SLSL) "A League of Its Own" Tournament played there. Teams included Avenues Albion, New Life (Newham) , Waltham Forest Mencap, Nason Waters Centre, Rainham, Wandsworth United. see pictures

After having developed a very successful adult league based in south–east London, teams from north-east London made enquiries about our league and asked to join. It seemed that there was little available during the week for disabled adults in NE London and West Essex, as is always the case, the desire to play regular competitive football and reap the associated benefits of fitness, self-esteem, raising aspiration is denied these marginalised groups is denied them. It is so exciting that so many disabled players previously denied the pleasure are now playing the game they love and are part of that common language, that great leveller: Football.

The teams competing are from the SLSL Championship. On this occasion we are only playing in one division. This is the beginning of greater things to come. Already we have had enquiries from people who were not able to attend this time. Our next event in the New Year is destined to attract many more teams. This may become as succesfull as our league based in Greenwich, where up to 150 players take part at each event

It is a very exciting prospect to enable people with a disability to play regular competitive football and by doing so improve their lives, their fitness and their self-esteem.

Through no fault of their own people with a disability are marginalised and never get the opportunities we take for granted. By enabling them to play the game they love they are also gaining a voice and getting what has been previously denied them.  
A League of Its Own is SLSL’s adult league. This very successful community based project enables players with a learning disability to access football competition at a level appropriate to their ability.

Sharon Brokenshire, SLSL's project manager, explains: "We are targeting adults with learning disabilities. We hope this event will have encouraged other groups to take part next time and develop a league which offers competitive football."
Surely the legacy of 2012 is to enable everybody not just our elite athletes, but the grass roots, the marginalised communities to have opportunities to play all sports with quality facilities and excellent support. Let us ensure this happens. 

Next Tournament Date September 2007

For further information, please contact:

Sharon Brokenshire, Project Manager
Tel: 020 8319 8111/07 Email: Specialleague@aol.com
SISL outline

SISL website

Wednesday  18th April 2007   Adults Tournament

6 teams took part in a round-robin competition.   The teams were from Tower Hamlets, Newham, Hackney, Waltham Forest, Southwark and Avenues Housing Trust (who live in accomodation both in Ilford and in Sidcup.   The football was fun and competitive  reflecting a whole range of ability.   Winners were Spa from Southwarkfolllowed closely by Apasenth from Tower Hamlerts.   verybody agreed that it ewas a really worthwile day and are committed to eturn in Autumn.   Thanks to The Avenues Trust who sponsored the day and to Mick Foster at LMPF Redbridge who enabled the day to go ahead.

Pictures

April 2007

    October 13th 2006 Festival