CARING members of the community have been thanked for helping a football team for young disabled adults and children to take to the field.
Badsey community champion Tracey Hemming has lavished praise on a host of local groups across the Vale who have dug deep to support the launch of Pershore Town Freedom United.
Tracey, who is the manager of Freedom Day Centre in the village, teamed up with Disability Sport Worcester to launch the team which is made up of young adults from the centre and the Vale of Evesham School.
Her efforts began to kick off when Pershore Town agreed to let the team play at its King George Playing Fields ground.
And the bid then hit the back of the net when Growers United FC, comprised of a number of groups from the Vale including Evesham Vale Growers and Zenith Nurseries, kindly donated the £420 needed to pay for the team’s kit.
Two Worcestershire FA coaches have started holding weekly training sessions with the team and it is hoped they will soon begin playing matches against other disabled teams at the weekends.
Mrs Hemming said: “It’s great news Growers United FC have kindly agreed to sponsor us. The guys from both the day centre and the Vale of Evesham School have been so excited.
“They’ve enjoyed the training sessions. Two of the guys initially stood and watched on as the others trained but they soon got involved. It’s been really great.
“I feel so lucky members of our community have taken us to their hearts and supported us.”
Bal Padda, of Growers United FC, told the Observer,: “The FC in our name stands for ‘For Charity’ and ‘For Community’, so we’re delighted to pay for Pershore Town Freedom United’s football kits.
“We’ve been helping Tracey and the team at Freedom from the start and will continue to raise funds for charities, whilst integrating cultures, communities and local businesses.
“We’re looking forward to seeing all the kids in their new kits and have more in the pipeline for the future.”
The team are still welcoming funding and are looking for volunteers to help out at the club.
Anyone who wants to get involved should contact Mrs Hemming on 013868 30200 for more information.
