Four grassroots football clubs in Carlisle are launching inclusive disability sessions for children aged five to eleven. The initiative is part of England Football's Comets programme, providing a supportive environment for pan-disability football across the city.
Edentown FC hosts sessions every Wednesday at Houghton CE School, with coach Sammy Norman focusing on children with autism and cerebral palsy. "Come down, try it out, see if they enjoy it," Norman said, encouraging families to get involved. Warwick Wanderers run their sessions on Mondays at Downagate Community Centre, while Dalston JBR use Dalston Recreational Centre on Sundays. Northbank FC completes the weekly schedule with Thursday sessions at Harraby 3G Sports Hall.
Ross Mattinson, a Cumberland Football Association adviser, explained the programme's importance for neurodivergent participants. "Neurodivergent people struggle to fit in with the neurotypical world, so to have this, they don't have to mask and they can do their own thing," he said. Young participants like George enjoy the training games, while teammate Arthur's main goal is simply to have as much fun as possible.
The community effort comes as Carlisle's first team sits 16th in the National League table with 10 points from nine games. Their recent form shows one win, two draws and two defeats from the last five outings. The squad will look to improve on that record when they host 18th-placed Woking this Saturday.
These new sessions offer a vital sporting outlet for local children, running every week from now on.
