Every second counts in football. Every shot, tackle and pass can be crucial. The pressures of the professional game make every point vital and every match a must win. But, the sport’s power to inspire those that play the game is what really matters. A Vision for a Goal – Every Player Counts, which is a dual initiative launched on Thursday by the Leicestershire and Rutland Inclusive Football Partnership and the County FA helped illustrate that and the broader appeal of the beautiful game.

Leicester City left-back Bruno Berner and Foxes legend Steve Walsh, were joined by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Leicester, Councillor Roger Blackmore and Mrs Hilary Blackmore, the Chairman of the County Council, Mr. Roger Wilson and the President of the Leicestershire and Rutland County FA, Mr. Gerry Cooper at the launch, which was held at the County FA’s Holmes Park headquarters.

The launch consisted of two projects working in partnership, A Vision for a Goal led by the Leicestershire & Rutland Inclusive Football partnership & County FA and Every Player Counts led by Leicester City Football in the Community Trust. The overall projects aims are to enable people with sensory, learning, physical, behavioural or mental health impairments or disabilities to become more involved in football.

Players from the Leicester Blind Football Academy and the Leicestershire and Rutland Disability Representative teams, who took part in last summer’s Special Olympics, keenly added their support.

Leicester City’s Bruno Berner found the player’s enthusiasm for the game inspiring and believes that the game’s broader appeal is huge.

“Football is so big worldwide and there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be played by disabled people, whether they have a physical, sensory or learning disability or mental health issue. It absolutely inspires you as a player as well. You never stop learning and that’s another part of life.

“Getting as many people involved in sport generally is important and football, certainly with the ball, is a good toy to bring the fun factor, which is very important. You can do it with football, basketball, volleyball or whatever.”

The Switzerland international was pleased to be part of the launch and would like more professional players to show their support.

“It’s good that the people that support these kind of initiatives try to approach players and professionals as well and I think it’s important for players to get involved as much as possible.”

Former City skipper Steve Walsh was delighted to support the launch and touched by the passion of the players.

“It’s fantastic to support from my point of view and it’s good to see Bruno representing the football club. It’s a really worthwhile initiative and these are amazing people. It does touch you.

“I’ve been lucky to have a fantastic career in football and to support something like this is great, every player does count and that’s the message that the Vision for a Goal initiative is trying to get across. From just talking to these people you get a great idea of their enthusiasm and the confidence that they get from playing football.”

Laurence Jones, the Chief Executive of Leicestershire and Rutland FA, believes that football’s impact on all parts of society, including people with disabilities, will play a huge role in the game’s future.

“Events like today are massively important. Football is for everybody and it’s not acceptable in today’s world that communities don’t have the opportunity to participate in sport for whatever reason.

“The development and self-development that sport brings to people and particularly to those that have perhaps had more challenges in life is immense. It gives them confidence, the chance to participate in an activity on a level playing field and be treated the same.”

Laurence also hopes that Mondays’ launch will help generate more interest and support for disabled football in the county.

“From a county football point of view we want to be a total football provider, that’s our role and the disability aspect is key to that. The challenge will be making it sustainable because we do need financial support to maintain and grow this programme.

“Part of today is about raising awareness and hopefully people seeing the good work that’s going on and taking messages away from here and for us to receive that extra funding to keep it going.”

Mary Rudkin, the Disability Football Development Officer for Leicestershire and Rutland Inclusive Football Partnership, organised the launch, plays a major role in disabled football across the county and was delighted with how the day went.

“We’ve had a fantastic atmosphere. It’s been great to meet with our partners and engage with new people today and that’s what it’s all about. We want everybody to tell people out there about the work we do and to come on board. There are still so many other organisations that we want to engage with.

“We heard from Paul, one of our players, about how much he loves playing football and it’s all about having fun, everybody helping each other and giving that little bit extra. With the help of Soar Media, it has been great to have celebrity footballers Steve Walsh and Bruno Berner here. I think it’s gone really well and we’re absolutely delighted with the turnout and I’m very proud to be part of it.”

The impact and draw of football should never be underestimated. Despite the huge amounts of money in the professional game, grass roots football for players of all ages, sexes and abilities and those with disabilities still needs as much support as possible. Investment of time as well as money is crucial to the success of initiatives like A Vision for a Goal and ensuring that Every Player Counts.

For more information about the A Vision for a Goal – Every Player Counts initiative, please contact Mary Rudkin, the Disability Football Development Officer for Leicestershire and Rutland Inclusive Football Partnership on 0116 2844952 or e-mail mary.rudkin@leicestershirefa.com.