Crystal Palace FC Community Sports Trust hosted its first ABLE2 Disability Football Festival at the Goals Soccer Centre earlier in the summer.

Children and young people with Special Needs from the London Boroughs of Croydon, Bromley and Sutton have for the past three months been attending weekly coaching sessions put on by CPFC Community Sports Trust. These sessions have been aimed at children and young people from 13 to 19 years old, concentrating on developing their basic football skills such as passing, dribbling and shooting.

Action from one of the day's matches.

The culmination of these courses was our Football Festival which took place at The Goals Soccer Centre in Beckenham North on Friday 18^th June. Teams representing our three boroughs entered into our 6 a-side tournament. Great fun was had by all and the matches were of a high standard. CPFC Community Football Development Officer Rob Perrett said' I think this has been a fantastic opportunity for all the players. My role today as a referee was very enjoyable. The games have been played in a really great spirit, thoroughly competitive and of high quality'

Barbara Thompsett - School Officer from Carew Manor School in Sutton, takes up the theme:

'The children had a lovely day. There was a great atmosphere and the children were all very relaxed. The matches were played in a great spirit. This was down to the very good organisation of the Crystal Palace coaches who seemed to understand the needs of the children perfectly.'

For Danile Hector from Sutton the Football Festival that took part in Beckenham at the end of the project was the icing on the cake. Daniel continues, 'Great - enjoyed playing against other good teams. It was the first time I had met these people from other schools. It was great to play in. I would love to be able to do this all again'

All the children and young people went home happy, knowing they had played a part in creating a great festival and made some new friends.

Players relaxing before the presentation ceremony.

Photo ( Top Right)  Carew Manor Captain Joe Hales being presented with the winners trophy by CPFC Football Development Officer Michael Harrington