DOZENS of adults with disabilities showed off their soccer skills in a special football tournament.

Organised by East Lancashire People First, a charity run by residents with learning difficulties, a series of indoor matches took place at New Era Complex in Paradise Street, Accrington.

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The group provides a series of fitness and artistic sessions designed to help get people more active and build up social circles.

Amy Bland, women and girls football development officer at Accrington Stanley, took part in the football sessions and brought along club mascot, ‘Winstanley’.

Kate Woods, project co-ordinator at the charity, said: “These sporting activities are a great way for everyone to get involved and be part as a team.

“It helps build up friendships and keeps everyone active, they’re a huge success.

“Some people prefer the crafts and making, but everyone gets involved and it’s great to see.

“Each session costs 50p and we get a lot of the funding from our charity shops across East Lancashire.

“This helps keep the costs down, make it cheap for everyone and we get to put the sessions on.”

There are four drop in centres across East Lancashire where the sessions take place, including Clitheroe, Burnley and Rawtenstall.

Linda Stewart, a committee member said: “I really like taking part in the football.

“I have lots of friends here and it’s a lot of fun.”

Ian Greenwood, who played in the tournament with his wife, Emma, said: “Without the football I don’t know what I would do.

“I would be very bored and I wouldn’t like it.”

Ms Bland said: “I take part in these sessions throughout the year and it’s amazing to see the confidence shoot up.

“It’s vital for their well-being that they get to take part, keep fit and enjoy themselves.

“I also enjoy spending time with everyone, they’re a really nice group of people.

“It’s great that opportunities like this exist.”