Kernow Football Alliance fundraising for inclusive football

The project has successfully created a group atmosphere where people with pan disabilities can come together as one family, embracing the Cornish motto 'Onen Hag Oll' (One and All), to play football and break down barriers that have been put in front of them.

Concentrating on abilities, rather than disabilities, the inclusive - and as yet unbeaten - team have enjoyed a tremendous couple of years, with players stepping out of comfort zones to visit the likes of LaLiga Genuine in Tenerife and Belfast for the George Best Community Cup.

Their success on the pitch has been nothing short of remarkable but the true signifier of the project’s accomplishments is the off the pitch advancements and empowerment in tackling mental health, unemployment, social isolation and so much more.

The team focuses on abilities rather than disabilities (Image: Kernow Football Alliance)

Simon York, director of inclusion at Kernow Football Alliance, said: “The Crowdfunder itself is really raising money to continue this journey. We've got ideas in place and plans to go back to Belfast this year, as well as continuing our links with LaLiga Genuine. We're going into new countries and building relationships further afield, including in Germany and even New Zealand now as well.

“It’s also to be able to buy equipment and put foundations in place so that we can bring more people into the group and really strengthen our bond with the community. It’s the projects that we do outside of football that mean the most, getting people prepared for work, doing degrees and really cementing what people can do off the pitch as well as on it. Making them the best person they can be and fulfilling their full potential.

“The lads are very proud of what they've achieved so far but this is really only scratching the surface. We've got a long, long way to go and we're building on the success we've already had. We came from playing local teams, like South West Cerebral Palsy, to going up to Doncaster and playing in one of the biggest competitions in the UK. We came away as double champions and did the same at Crystal Palace.

The team focuses on abilities rather than disabilities (Image: Kernow Football Alliance)

“We are passionate about strengthening the Cornish brand, the Kernow brand and the identity of Kernow, not just locally or nationally within the UK but internationally as well.

"We’re putting Cornish passions and values out into the world. This is just the tip of the iceberg of what we're trying to do in and for Cornwall. We need the community behind us now more than ever to engage in doing more community projects for the benefit of local charities, local businesses and local people.”

For more information and a range of different ideas on how you can get involved, donate or show your support for Kernow Football Alliance, visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-unbeatables---kernow-fas-dream-journey

Kernow Football Alliance was formed in 2018 to build an inclusive international football team to share and celebrate Cornish culture around the world, playing under the umbrella of The Confederation of Independent Football Associations (CONIFA).

York added: “This money will not just change the lives of our players but the community as well. We plan to go into schools and other football clubs, building that connection to showcase Cornwall, break down barriers and really highlight what disability football is all about.

“We want to bring more players into the team, too. We've got 16, 17 and 18-year-olds that were on the cusp last year who are now joining our men's team and we want to build on this.

“Just one pound would go a long way so please don't feel that you're not contributing or anything like that at all. Please help us to help Cornwall as a whole, to celebrate inclusivity and the power of connection. Thank you.”