Special needs children learn the game at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Academy
Children from Abu Dhabi’s Future Centre for Special Needs (FCSN) are developing a passion for golf thanks to the Academy by Troon Golf at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. The world-class golfing Academy hosts 20 students every Sunday in a fun and light-hearted training session. From balance obstacle courses through to hopscotch and learning the basics of golf, the Saadiyat teaching professionals have introduced the youngsters to a whole range of activities that has ignited a love for the game in them.
The initiative started as a way for Saadiyat Beach Golf Club to support the local community.
Franco Botha, one of the professionals behind the programme, said: “We focus on developing ‘Fundamental Movement Skills’ and golf specific skills which has been incredibly popular with the children. They enjoy every minute of the sessions and look forward to returning every week. It has been so pleasing to see them develop their skills and a love for the game along the way.”
In total, there were over 20 sessions conducted with the students. Gauri Vashisht, Vocational Coordinator for FCSN, says it has done wonders for the youngsters’ development.
Franco Botha teaching at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Academy
“The students very enthusiastically learnt not only how to play golf, but also improved on their team building skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills and their gross motor skills,” said Gauri. These types of community activities help the students enhance their self esteem and we would like to thank Saadiyat Beach Golf Club for their initiative and support.
“Members of staff assigned to the students were very friendly and very patient with the students. It did not take long for them to understand each student and teach them according to their ability. And they did it with a lot of love.”
The students are now all looking forward to more sessions of golf at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Academy in the next school year.
The Future Centre for Special Needs is an Abu Dhabi-based non profit organisation which specialises in the education and rehabilitation of individuals with special needs. FCSN caters to an annual average of 180 students aged between 3 and 23 and enrolled in various education programmes and rehabilitation services offered by the centre.
