A NEW scheme to bring soccer to disabled people throughout the borough has kicked off.

Bury FC Football in the Community is supporting the Ability Counts initiative, a national football coaching programme.

The project was launched locally on Saturday (Feb 2). at Gigg Lane before Bury's game with league leaders Reading.

A cheque for £1,000 to get the ball rolling was presented by the English Federation of Disability Sports.

Scheme organisers, which include Bury Council and the Greater Manchester Sports Partnership, are optimistic of getting further financial support from the EFDS. Yvonne Hall, the council's disability sports co-ordinator, said: "We are planning to run a series of free in-school coaching sessions and initially this will involve youngsters at St Paul's in Bury, Affetside, Gorsefield and Elton County Primary schools.

"We are also looking to establish a regular Saturday morning club and link up with all the existing disability football sessions.

"The overall aim is to increase the opportunities for local disabled people to play football and improve the quality of coaching available. It should also be possible to establish regular competition and raise the profile and awareness of football for those with a disability."

Councillor Warren Flood, sports and recreation spokesman and Bury FC supporter, said: "Soccer clubs across the country are getting involved with this initiative and it is good to see the Shakers being part of a scheme which can encourage wider participation in sport and football specifically."