Ipswich players join disability football sessions

The Ipswich Town players said they enjoyed bringing smiles to faces

Two Ipswich Town players have taken part in disability football sessions at their Portman Road stadium, saying it was "nice" to bring some smiles to the faces of participants.

George Hirst and Kasey McAteer enjoyed a kick about with players from the Ipswich Town Foundation, which offers six hours of disability provision every week.

The group said participation had risen from fewer than 10 players in 2021 to about 140 today.

McAteer said: "It's nice when you see their faces light up and if I can bring 30 minutes out of my day to make them happy, it's a well-earned day. I'm happy to get down here and I look forward to watching them play some games."

Ipswich striker George Hirst took part in the session

The foundation offers sport activities and courses to people of all ages from across Suffolk.

Ipswich striker Hirst said he had visited the group "quite a few times" and enjoyed spotting members in the crowd on match days.

He added: "For people in this situation it's not always shiny every day. People go through a lot of different hardships.

"If I can come down here and put a smile on on their face for 10, 15, 20 minutes... if they can go home and have something to talk about then then that fills me with joy."

Leanne Smith said the foundation made football more accessible

Leanne Smith, community engagement manager, described the sessions as "organised chaos" where attendees "get stuck in".

She said it had been "immense" to see the attendance numbers grow since she started in the role in 2021.

"Lots of them can't access grassroot mainstream football for whatever reason," she said of those who take part.

"Everyone deserves a safe place to come and play football and access football.

"They've created friendships from it. Their carers and parents have also created friendship through it- it's not just about the football it's about building a community and I think we've done that."

Harrison Mayhew-Kemp credited the foundation for bringing him out of his shell

Harrison Mayhew-Kemp has been volunteering with the group for several years.

He said: "It's just incredible really to think that the boys and girls can play in front of their heroes rather than being the other way around.

"Without the foundation I wouldn't be the person I am.

"It just gives me a life and it gives me an opportunity to not only speak to wonderful people, to make new friends and have new colleagues.

"It's really brought me out of my shell."