Inclusive football sessions for disabled children are taking place in Carlisle, giving them the chance to play, have fun and build confidence.
Four grassroots clubs are hosting England Football's Comets programme at centres across the city.
The sessions are open to boys and girls aged five to 11 and use pan-disability football, which brings together players with a broad range of differences and health conditions.
Edentown FC coach Sammy Norman said children who feel nervous can watch before joining in. His message to parents was: "Come down, try it out, see if they enjoy it."
He said the sessions his club runs every Wednesday at Houghton CE School focus more on children with autism and cerebral palsy.
"They may struggle to fit into a more routine football club, but we are as flexible as we possibly can be."
Other clubs hosting sessions include Warwick Wanderers at Downagate Community Centre on Mondays, Dalston JBR at Dalston Recreational Centre on Sundays, and Northbank FC at Harraby 3G Sports Hall on Thursdays.
Ross Mattinson, an adviser for the Cumberland Football Association, said he wanted pan-disability football to "move forward" across the region.
"Neurodivergent people struggle to fit in with the neurotypical world, so to have this, they don't have to mask and they can do their own thing," he said.
"That improves their mental health, knowing people support them."
Young participant George said he enjoys the sessions and has taken part in training games and sometimes competitive matches.
Teammate Arthur said their objective was simple: "Have as much fun as possible."
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Source: www.bbc.com — Read the original article
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