North East disabled stars in a league of their own

Feb 9 2010 by Kerry Wood, The Journal

WOULD-BE Wayne Rooneys can aim high with the launch of the region's first competitive league dedicated to children with disabilities.

This September will see the opening game in the North East Junior Disability Football League.

It will be a chance for hundreds of budding sports stars to regularly play competitive football – something that has so far been missing from the region’s sporting calendar.

The league has been set up following a high level of demand at the Ferryhill Town Disabled Youth Team which launched two years ago.

Claire Stone, 45, is the team organiser whose 12-year-old son Edward plays in the squad.

She said: “Originally Durham FA received funding to run some sessions for children with disabilities at the local leisure centre.

“After these finished we were asked to get involved and so set up the youth side.

“We’ve put together two teams and are in the process of setting up the league, which will be a great opportunity for the players.

“Although they have disabilities they still have the urge to win.

“At the moment they play other teams at festivals but the league will give them the chance to play with the aim of winning over a season.”