'It's more than just football' for disability team

From left, Alfie, MacKenzie and Callum say they enjoy playing football with the Comets [BBC] Children with disabilities have described the coaches at a special football club as "absolutely amazing". Mark Ray, who has been leading the football sessions for the last five years, has teamed up with Jersey Football Association (JFA) to run the FA Comets and Disability Recreational Programmes. He said the partnership meant more support to continue his work.

Ray said it was "magical" seeing the children make new friends and build confidence through football. "It's more than just the football for me," he said. MacKenzie, 13, who attends the sessions, said: "It's just nice because some of us can't play with other proper teams so it's good for us to be part of a club".

Alfie, 15, another regular at Ray's training sessions, said: "For people with additional needs like myself it's just great for us to get out and have some fun here. " Callum, also 15, said he made the most of the sessions. "It's just nice to do a kick about".

I really enjoy the competitive matches," he said. Ray, centre, wanted to make a difference for children with disabilities through football like Isabella Mendes, left, and his daughter Mollie, right [BBC] Ray said he hoped the partnership with Jersey Football Association would ensure the support for the children he coached would continue in the island. He added: "With the backing of the JFA hopefully we can now look to build and establish a really firm disability offering for kids on the island.