JUNIOR DISABILITY GOLF FORUM
FOR BIRMINGHAM

Birmingham City Council has teamed up with the English Federation of Disability Sport, Shirley Golf Club, the Alison Nicholas Golf Academy and The Golf Foundation to form the Junior Disability Golf Forum. The aim of the forum is to co-ordinate a programme of grass roots golf activities for disabled young people from the greater Birmingham area.

Initial activities have included 2 taster days for Special Schools from the area at local golf facilities. At the Alison Nicholas Golf Academy 56 young people received coaching and took part in fun activities delivered by PGA Professionals. A second session took place at Wast Hills Driving Range and was attended by a further 35 young people. In total 8 Special Schools have taken part so far and the response has been very encouraging. Denis Hodgkins, EFDS’s West Midlands Development Officer said, "The success of the sessions is highlighted by the fact that many of the schools involved are now looking to implement Tri-Golf and many teachers are putting their names forward for Tri-Golf and Junior Golf Leaders Award training courses." A final taster session involving an introduction to a golf club is planned for 5th May at Shirley Golf Club with a further 5 Special Schools lined up to take part.

The Junior Disability Golf Forum has also applied for funding through Sport England’s ‘Awards for All’ scheme. Craig Singleton, Birmingham City Council’s Golf Coach said, "Hopefully the funding will allow the Forum to assist Special Schools to develop a programme of golf using Tri-Golf and provide links to further opportunities at local golf facilities throughout the greater Birmingham area."

The Golf Foundation is working in partnership with the EGU, ELGA, PGA and Sport England through the England Junior Golf Partnership to achieve the aims and objectives set out in the England Junior Golf Development Plan.