Wrexham Inclusion Football Club compete in UK’s biggest disability football tournament

25 representatives from the Wrexham Inclusion Football Club have set off to take part in one of the biggest disability tournaments in the UK.

The players flew to Northern Ireland on Wednesday to compete in the George Best Community Cup.

Run by the Irish Football Association, the event brings together hundreds of players from disability football clubs each year for its five-a-side cup competition.

This year more than 500 players from 70 disability football clubs throughout the UK and Ireland will descended on the Billy Neill complex in Dundonald in County Down, to compete in the annual tournament.

Over 350 games will be played over two days, with matches taking place on 12 pitches in four different ability bands. Wrexham Inclusion Football Club will have three teams across three different ability levels.

Last year’s event saw great success for the Wrexham team, who this year hope to go one better and bring the trophy home.

The club are staying at the local university where evening meals and breakfast is provided in the university canteen – bringing together teams to encourage friendship and meeting new people.

The event will also be the first of a different kind for some players, who will be away from home and flying on a plane for the first time.

Commenting on the event, team manager Carl Austin said: “For many players it will be the first time they have been away from home without family or even the first time they have been away from Wales.

“Sometimes we take things for granted that we are able to go away when we want but for many people because lack of opportunities, staffing issues, family circumstances etc prevent these opportunities arising so as a club where very proud to be able to provide a brilliant opportunity.

“There are only a few clubs up and down the county who travel like we do and that’s down to the amazing volunteers we have it’s so nice to see that the whole town appreciates the amazing work they do to support our absolutely incredible players.”

It’s been a busy year for Wrexham Inclusion Football Club, who last month headed to Munich to take part in the European Mental Health Championships.