A successful Penrith pan-disability junior football group is looking to expand with a senior team.
The group has been operating now for five years, with youngsters aged from six to 16.
But they now want to enter a team in the Ability Counts League for senior players, contesting the season which starts in March and runs through to October.
Chris Kolek is the guiding light behind the juniors and his own son Oliver, who has cerebral palsy is typical of the junior group. “He’s reached an age now where he’s ready for senior football.
“We have advertised on social media, posters around town and word of mouth but we haven’t yet managed to get enough players for a team.
“However in the belief that we will get enough we are registering for the Ability Counts League ahead of the new season,” says Chris.
Cumberland FA has just announced a three-year partnership with Komatsu Forest Ltd who will take over sponsorship of the Ability Counts League.
The financial support received as a result of this new sponsorship is expected to aid the league’s growth and sustainability.
Fixtures are held once a month between March and October, with teams from across Cumberland taking part at a central venue.
The league has almost doubled in participation over the last two years and has over 230 registered players currently taking part within seven divisions.
“Two of the juniors we have, including Oliver, would step up to a senior side but we do need more from Penrith and the surrounding area.
“We plan to play our games at Penrith FC’s Frenchfield Stadium and have been working in collaboration with the local community organisation 4Eden,” says Chris.
The formation of a senior team is being done very much in collaboration with 4Eden aided by their volunteers and some funding.
Training is every Wednesday in Penrith Leisure Centre from 5pm to 6pm. New players are welcome.
