FOOTBALLERS living with mental health problems and disabilities are set to benefit from new funding.

Blackburn-based football team Blokes United, who helps those recovering from mental health and addiction problems, have been awarded a £6000 Grow the Game grant.

The money will enable the team to create opportunities for vulnerable and isolated adults to be part of a football group.

Wayne Beck, one of the founders of Blokes United, said: "With the support of the FA and The Football Foundation Trust, we can offer our participants, players and volunteers a stepping stone into new beginnings, whether that be with qualifications, paid work or just accessing a mainstream football team."

Blokes United train at Witton Park Academy in Blackburn and the team is a spin-off from the Social Inclusion Football League (SIFL), run by Blackburn-based social inclusion service Creative Support, at the Blackburn Rovers Indoor Centre (BRIC).