Children's football club is thriving, founder says

Shaun Culpin set up the initiative in 2021

When Shaun Culpin set up inclusive football training sessions for disabled children in Leicestershire in 2021, he thought "we'd probably get half a dozen kids down here".

But he says the Coalville Town FC initiative is "thriving" and up to 36 children now take part each week, with four placed on a waiting list to join.

The 53-year-old was inspired to set up the scheme after he received a phone call from a coach at a mainstream football camp, asking him to collect his "struggling" son, who has autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

He has since supported other clubs in the county to launch something similar, and there are now more than 160 children playing pan-disability football across 23 teams.

'Leading the way'

Pan-disability football is for players with a range of of impairments, including physical and learning disabilities and those undergoing assessments or with a diagnosis.

"Everyone should be allowed to play football," said Mr Culpin, disability activator at Coalville Town FC.

"I think in Leicestershire and Rutland we're giving them that opportunity.

"We're spreading the word; we're making these grassroots clubs available for the children to come, so I'd like to think we're leading the way."

Charlie (left) and Beau, pictured with their mums, both take part in the training sessions

Mr Culpin previously described the sessions as "very light-hearted", adding: "We have a bit of fun."

Charlie, seven, who is autistic, recently started training at Coalville Town FC.

His mum Sophie said he "didn't cope very well" in mainstream football but "can't wait to come" to the inclusive sessions.

The 29-year-old said: "He's so happy when he's here, and he's absolutely loving it, and to see him so settled - it means the world."

Eight-year-old Beau is also autistic and has been attending training for about six months.

His mum Hannah, 40, said she thought the sessions were "really important".

"It gives everybody a chance," she added.

Some of the children who take part in the initiative also compete in the Leicestershire Junior and Youth Disability Football League.

Leicestershire and Rutland County Football Association will host an online information session about disability football at 18:30 GMT on Thursday.