THE town of Northallerton is to get its own multi-sports club for young people and adults with special needs and disabilities.

Hambleton District Council’s leisure apprentice, Joe McKechnie ,who plays football for the England Cerebral Palsy Senior Squad, has secured nearly £700 in funding from North Yorkshire Sport to set up the new club.

It will kick off with an eight-week course offering coaching in recognised disabled sports - including boccia, goal ball, Kwik Cricket, dance, dodge ball, skill based sessions in football and football for the visually impaired.

Joe, who is hoping to represent the UK in the 2016 Paralympics in Rio, is a qualified coach and will be doing the majority of the coaching.

He said: “I want to raise awareness in disability sport and show people what is available at a higher level.

“I almost gave up playing football three years ago due to bad experiences with mainstream clubs and coaches.

“I want to encourage and support people - whatever their ability - to join in, have fun and keep fit.

“Winning this cash means we can set up a club in Northallerton for the first time which is very exciting.”

The full course costs £20 with sessions taking place at Mill Hill School in Northallerton every Tuesday from 5pm to 6pm for over the-25s and from 6pm to 7pm for the 14 to 25-year- olds. It kicks off on June 11.

Booking is essential. For more information or to book a place contact Joe on 01609-767261 or joe.mckechnie@hambleton.gov.uk