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'It's more than just football' for disability team

Chris CraddockBBC Jersey communities reporter
BBC Alife, MacKenzie, and Callum are wearing matching red football shirts stand together inside an indoor sports hall, each with an arm around the shoulders of the person next to them. The shirts feature logos including “Knott Trust” and “Standard Chartered.” The sports hall has court markings and a high industrial-style ceiling.BBC
From left, Alfie, MacKenzie and Callum say they enjoy playing football with the Comets

Children with disabilities have described the coaches at a special football club as "absolutely amazing".

Mark Ray, who has been leading the football sessions for the last five years, has teamed up with Jersey Football Association (JFA) to run the FA Comets and Disability Recreational Programmes. He said the partnership meant more support to continue his work.

Ray said it was "magical" seeing the children make new friends and build confidence through football. "It's more than just the football for me," he said.

MacKenzie, 13, who attends the sessions, said: "It's just nice because some of us can't play with other proper teams so it's good for us to be part of a club".

Alfie, 15, another regular at Ray's training sessions, said: "For people with additional needs like myself it's just great for us to get out and have some fun here."

Callum, also 15, said he made the most of the sessions. "It's just nice to do a kick about". I really enjoy the competitive matches," he said.

Mark and two female players stand together inside an indoor sports hall. The girls are wearing red sports jackets with “Knott Trust” branding, while Mark is wearing a light-coloured hoodie with a lanyard. In the background, badminton players are visible on the court, and spectators are watching from an upper gallery.
Ray, centre, wanted to make a difference for children with disabilities through football like Isabella Mendes, left, and his daughter Mollie, right

Ray said he hoped the partnership with Jersey Football Association would ensure the support for the children he coached would continue in the island.

He added: "With the backing of the JFA hopefully we can now look to build and establish a really firm disability offering for kids on the island."

"I think it's important that these children are exercising, they're having fun and doing something they all enjoy."

Peter is wearing a dark blue Arsenal training top with the “Emirates Fly Better” sponsor logo stands indoors in a sports hall. The background shows a high ceiling with metal beams, a basketball hoop, and indoor court markings.
Peter Vasse said he enjoys seeing his son play football thanks to the Comets

Peter Vasse's son, Ethan, has Down's Syndrome and has been able to play football as part of the sessions.

"There's not loads of activities for children outside of school," said Vasse. "It gives us a bit of freedom just to be able to watch him play.

"You can see Ethan's face when he scores a goal and his arms go up each time and it gives the youngsters who have special needs the chance to enjoy sport."

The Comets are open to children aged from 7-15. Parents can contact the Jersey Football Association if they want their children to get involved with the club.

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