Pupils kick off their own mini world cup!

Young people with disabilities will be showcasing their football skills at a special event this week - and could see their Paralympic dream realised.

A Football Ability Day is being run through Playground to Podium, a new programme that identifies and develops athletic potential in young people with disabilities, and raising awareness of sporting opportunities and talent pathways to young disabled people, their families and PE and club professionals.

It is seen as the first step locally for athletes to be selected by governing bodies and be fast tracked into county, regional and/or national squads, making Paralympic dreams nearer to a reality.

The Football Ability Day event will take place at St Bedes Specialist Sports College on Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn, on Friday, May 28, on the astroturf and inside the sports hall between 10am and 2pm.

The PE and School Sports Partnerships from Blackburn with Darwen and West Lancs have organised the event with Sporting NRG and pupils will take part in skills sessions and matches on the day. Coaches from Everton Football in the Community will also be present to deliver a wheelchair football session - the first time that children in our borough have had the opportunity to experience wheelchair football.

Coaches from Lancashire FA Disability Centre of Excellence will also be there to identify any players who have the ability to progress to the Centre of Excellence and beyond.