Disability football sessions launched for children
Ed Hanson/BBCInclusive football sessions are being held to help disabled children take part in the sport, have fun and gain confidence.
England Football's Comets programme is being hosted by four grassroots clubs at centres across Carlisle.
Boys and girls aged between five and 11 years old can take part in pan-disability football, which brings together players with a broad range of differences and health conditions.
Edentown FC coach Sammy Norman said children could watch before taking part if they were feeling nervous and his message to parents was: "Come down, try it out, see if they enjoy it."
The events his club hosts every Wednesday at Houghton CE School were more focused on children with autism and cerebral palsy, he said.
"They may struggle to fit into a more routine football club, but we are as flexible as we possibly can be."
'Improves mental health'
Also hosting sessions are 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.
Cumberland Football Association adviser Ross Mattinson 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 was enjoying the sessions and had been taking part in training games and sometimes competitive matches.
Teammate Arthur said their objective was simple: "Have as much fun as possible."
