Young frame footballers looking for new teammates

The frame football team at Aston Swallownest JFC is sporting a new strip, courtesy of Kits for Soccer and Meadowhall newsagent Daily News.

The team caters for kids aged from three to 18 who use walking frames and its seven players would like more youngsters to get involved.

Football coach John Bellis founded the special team last April, after reading about the Frame Football Association on Facebook.

“There’s nothing else like this in the area,” said John. 

“It does these kids a lot of good.

“It’s good for their physio and they’re making new friends - and their parents are meeting other parents in the same situation.

“Many of the kids go to mainstream schools, where they know they’re not going to be on the football team.

“Here, they’re on a level playing field and everyone can be as good as everyone else.”

John added: “Just because their legs don’t work well, that doesn’t mean they can’t achieve anything. 

“Every one of them can still pass a ball.

“They enjoy it and their parents encourage every one of them. 

“Other junior clubs could learn from how our players and parents behave.

“We’re always looking for new players. I’d encourage anyone who uses a frame to come and try it, whether you like football or not.”

The frame football sessions take place at Thomas Rotherham College every Monday night, from 6pm to 7pm.

Anyone interested in joining should call John on 07791 138276.