Football team for disabled children expands

The Howden AFC Legends were set up in 2021 to encourage children to become more socially and physically active

An East Yorkshire football team for children with learning and physical disabilities has expanded to include older teenagers and adults.

Howden AFC started a pan-disability football team for children as young as five in 2021.

It was created to help children become more socially and physically active.

Brendan Byrne, one of coaches behind the teams, said because of demand and the age of some of the players, they had introduced further age groups.

The team has now expanded to include older teenagers and adults

He said: "One or two of them were getting too old. They had nowhere to play football so the natural progression was, do it again, just do it with open age.

"They love playing football. They’re really passionate about it. Having something to look forward to is a really big deal."

The team, nicknamed the Legends, meet every week to train and play football.

One of the players, Jack, has cerebral palsy: "The clubs around didn’t really accept me for who I was. But this club accepts me for who I am.

"I also get the exercise as well, which I wasn’t getting before this."

Jack, who has cerebral palsy, told the BBC that playing for the team had made him feel "accepted"

Another player, Ollie, said it had improved his confidence.

“ I used to play football when I was little. But I like it with pan-disability because it’s more about fun, really.”

They hope to soon play against other disability teams in tournaments across East Yorkshire.

The club received a special message of support from Hull City manager, Liam Rosenior.

The Tigers boss said he was "excited" about their passion for playing football.

"Football is for everyone. Enjoy every moment, every training session, every game that you play. And if you do that, you’ll never fail. I wish you all the very best," the 39-year-old added.

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