Bristol ability football club is double champion

The Bristol Rovers Ability FC made double champion this season

A football club for people with disabilities has won in two leagues to become a double champion.

The Bristol Rovers Ability FC, established in 2003, is for over 16s who have physical or mental health conditions.

The last tournament of the season was held at Gloucester on 21 April with the First Team winning their league and the two Development Teams coming first and second in their league.

Pat Gardener, who helps to run the club, said: "We are absolutely thrilled. We got some new players and we are now heading in the right direction."

'A beautiful game'

Ms Gardener told BBC Radio Bristol: "Football is a team game and everyone should have the opportunity to play.

"When they get on the field with a ball in front of them and I say go, they just go for it.

"We have one chap who is partially sighted but he is able to be an amazing goal keeper.

"So many people achieve things that in the years gone by they wouldn't have had the opportunity to do so and I'm just glad to help."

The club fields three teams in the Gloucestershire Football Association Ability Counts Leagues - their First Team and two Development Teams.

Ms Gardener added: "Although we proudly carry the name of Bristol Rovers, we are self financing and self governing.

"Our players overcome many difficulties to play but bring energy, enthusiasm and the love of the beautiful game to make a joyful experience for everyone involved."