EASTLEIGH are working in partnership with Southampton FC’s Saints Foundation to provide greater opportunities for people with disabilities to play and enjoy football.

A total of 30 teams and over 120 players were involved at a special launch day at St Mary’s in early June.

It was the culmination of the Saints Foundation’s work with five local clubs - Eastleigh, Sholing, Fawley Falcons, Littleton and St Francis – to develop their own pan-disability teams.

“It’s about showcasing their ability, not their disability,” explained Saints Foundation ambassador Martin Sinclair.

Eastleigh’s hot young midfield prospect Luke Coulson is proud to be the ambassador for the Spitfires’ flourishing pan-disability programme.

“The community and the fans that support us are amazing and it is important that we, as a football club, do everything we can to support them in return,” he said.

“The programme is designed to encourage and support everyone who wants to play the wonderful game and I hope that more people will come along, participate and share in what we’re doing.”

First-team manager Ronnie Moore added: “The community of Eastleigh is an essential part of our football club.

“With this in mind we are launching the new Hampshire Pan-Disability League for under-12s, under-16s and adults.

“I think this is a wonderful idea – fun, laughter and enjoyment.”

One young player enjoying being part of the Eastleigh family is Luke Brownlow who has mild cerebral palsy affecting his left side.

His mum Alison explained: “We stumbled upon an advert for a pan-disability session at Eastleigh FC. I was very nervous about how Luke would find it as he had never been involved with the ‘disabled’ word.

“I needn’t have worried. From the minute Luke stepped onto the Astroturf, he belonged!

“At Eastleigh nobody cares what disability you have. Children are footballers and nothing else.

“They train hard, they develop their skills…but, most of all, they have fun!”

The new teams were recently introduced to a 2,209 Silverlake crowd prior to National League kick-off against Dagenham & Redbridge.

“The feedback we got from them was they felt like they were famous for the day especially when they did the lap of honour,” smiled EFC’s community officer Sharon King.

Sharon can be contacted at the club on 023 80 613361.