A chance to find out about disability football at Alton FC is being held in the clubhouse at the Anstey Park Enclosure on June 21 from 2pm until 3pm.

Next month the club is launching Comets - weekday evening pan-disability football sessions in which children aged from five to 11 with a range of disabilities can play together.

A club spokesperson said: “This is football, but not as you know it - forget results, stats and performances. It’s not traditional; it’s where playfulness, inclusivity and friendships come together. At Alton FC we believe everyone should have the opportunity to play football.”

The introductory event on June 21 will feature Martin Sinclair, a former England and Great Britain cerebral palsy footballer, a cerebral palsy sport ambassador and a Treloar's patron.

Martin said: "I’m really excited to be involved and support the new pan-disability provision at Alton FC. It definitely feels like the beginning of something special. It’s inspiring to see the work being done by a volunteer-led club to make football more inclusive for young players."

Comets offers recreational football focused on helping disabled children have fun while building confidence, independence and social relationships.

Sessions are led by FA-qualified coaches trained to provide a safe place for disabled children to try football for the first time and develop key skills.

The club’s disability lead is Ceirion Port, who started coaching a girls’ team at Alton FC at under-ten level and honed them into a hugely successful under-18 squad.

For the past 15 years he has taught foundation learning at local colleges where he has set up disability teams to give all students the chance to represent their college.

He said: "I'm passionate about creating a space where everyone can play at their own pace and ability. My goal is to make Alton FC's disability section one of the best in Hampshire."

Alton FC chairman Carl Saunders said: "We've been working on the idea of disability provision for some time, and while we already provide football to over 600 players in the local area, this has been a missing piece. I’m so pleased that we're now ready to offer disabled children the opportunity to play football with Alton FC.

“We are very lucky to have Ceirion at our club, and with his wealth of professional experience I have no doubt he will build a legacy for the future.

“The launch of Comets reflects our club’s strong sense of community, commitment to improvement and dedication to inclusivity. We would like to thank the Hampshire FA for their support in making this possible."

Hampshire FA disability football ambassador Ben Mathews said: "We’re excited to be working with Alton FC to help drive forward their new inclusive opportunity. Comets is a programme for young disabled players to develop technically and socially, but more importantly providing an opportunity where they can be themselves and learn to enjoy playing football.

“In my role as disability football ambassador for the county, it's fantastic to see a club like Alton FC taking the first step on their inclusive journey."

Anyone interested in playing, coaching or volunteering with Comets can email Ceirion Port at [email protected] or call, text or WhatsApp on 07505 004849.