Sports star Adam features in DVD

Nov 26 2007 by Audrey Barton, The Journal

ADAM Shepherd loves football. Like any 10-year-old boy he enjoys kicking a ball around with his friends.

But for Adam a game of footy with his mates is not a usual occurrence – until now.

He has a form of autism called Asperger’s Syndrome and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.

His condition makes it difficult for him to interact with other children, although he attends mainstream school.

But since joining Ability to Play, Adam, of Winchester Way, Bedlington, counts swimming, trampolining and archery among his favourite hobbies.

His mum Nicki, who has another son Mathew, six, who attends the scheme with his brother, said: “He really thrives on it. I have seen a change in him as his confidence and self- esteem have grown.

“He couldn’t really join in with football at school but now he has a kick around in the yard and has played in a few matches.”

The Ability to Play scheme is funded by Northumberland Children’s Fund and Blyth Valley Arts and Leisure and is run at Blyth Sports Centre and also in Cramlington.

It is aimed at providing sport for young people with disabilities.

Community sports coach Adam Dixon said: “The benefits of sports for children are widely- known. Just because a child has a disability doesn’t mean the benefits aren’t the same. Adam struggled to interact and with his self-confidence. He has really come out of his shell now.”

The youngster has also had a poem he wrote about dolphins for national competition Little Laureates published in a book – Poems from the North of England.

Adam and his brother Mathew are featured in a DVD about the scheme to be played to an audience at a conference tomorrow to celebrate achievements of Northumber- land Children’s Fund.

Let’s Celebrate is being held to highlight the success of projects in Northumberland that have helped young people lead more fulfilling lives.

The event, at The Pavilion, Alnwick Garden, from 9am to 3pm, will be attended by 120 delegates from the health, education and social care sector and more than 30 parents, children and young people.