About Us
Coach H
This is me catching a moment of rest as I dream of new ideas to bring to this wonderful project. North London United was born in 2013, after a mother whose child has Down Syndrome (DS) asked if I could start a football project for children with DS.
Since then, North London United has steadily grown. In 2015, we were approached by Arsenal Football Club, (Arsenal In The Community), who wanted to work in partnership, serving the DS community.
The rest is history...
What happens at our sessions
Each week our small team of coaches deliver a structured session tailored around the various abilities within the group.
Sessions start with a group warm up that aims to target physical areas of development most common to people with Down Syndrome - low muscle tone, agility, balance, coordination and speed.
With the group split up (based on age and individual ability), the main part of the session involves coaching practical elements - Passing, Turning, Dribbling, Shooting, Running with the ball.
To conclude the session the group either finish with a match or a set of games.
All activities in the session are delivered in a safe environment with safeguarding at the forefront of everything we do.
Some of the North London United Family...
Thanks to the wonderful young people who participate each week, the amazing parents and carers who support their child, and the invaluable support from Arsenal in the Community (Luke Howard and team), North London United is able to deliver quality football sessions that not only challenge, but also support the necessary developmental needs.
#UnderstandingDS
- Down Syndrome (DS) is a genetic condition caused by an extra chromosome in your cells. In the majority of cases it cannot be inherited, and occurs by chance at the time of conception.
- A person with DS will have some degree of learning disability, but the level of ability will be different for each individual.
- A child with DS might take longer than other children their age to reach certain milestones and to develop certain skills. They may also need ongoing support for different aspects of their life when they become an adult.
- As with other conditions associated with learning disability, every person with DS is an individual and, with the right support and opportunities, can lead a happy and fulfilling life.
