How did DSActive start? Many people with Down's syndrome join pan-disability sports groups because it's plain and simply all that's on offer. Research and feedback shows us that they often get left to one side due to not having the co-ordination or athletic abilities of their fellow team members. Consequently, they spend a lot of the time on the bench, or simply standing around. With 60,000 people in the UK with Down's syndrome, we know there is a fundamental niche in society that is being addressed by way DSActive. In 2006 the Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA) joined forces with Fulham Football Club to create bespoke training sessions for young people and adults with Down’s syndrome. In 2008, this same programme was replicated by Queens Park Rangers Football Club, and now many other clubs have shown great interest, as they have caught sight or sound of DSActive via the massive media interest generated to date, such as BBC television, or via many other well known publications. This clip shows both teams coming together at a recent training session... http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7736070.stm The Programme The core of this programme is to assist young people and adults in self development through offering a holistic activity that provides a multi faceted approach with the addition of individual mentoring and customised workshops. Activities that offer development and pure fun social interaction for individuals with disabilities have been cut in many areas throughout the UK due to funding constraints. This programme is unique in that through a social activity, participants will have the ability to increase their social interaction skills, and have an overall better understanding of their own physical selves through entering the world of sports. The core of our programme consists of weekly sessions for children and young people from 5 to 25 years of age. QPR and Fulham have on average 30 people per week attending training. All sessions are led by professional football coaches and we are looking to get more parents and people with learning disabilities involved to help with volunteering their services as trained coaches themselves. The programme will be tailored to the specific needs of individuals with Down’s syndrome. Our intention is to spread this very successful model currently in operation with QPR and Fulham throughout the UK. We currently have 12 clubs from various locations throughout the UK which are interested in starting a DSActive group at their local football club. Without funding, this simply won't happen. It costs around £5,000 per annum to keep training sessions alive at Fulham or QPR at present. Our dream would be to have another 50 teams up and running over the next 3 years. Simple breakdown is: £5,000 per team per year (includes coaching and venue hire) x 50 teams throughout the UK. = £250,000 We would be more than happy to gave a more detailed breakdown, and in fact invite you to see a training session at either QPR or Fulham in action.. Thank you for taking the time to read. Best wishes, Down's Syndrome Association