A CHARITY football match is set to take place to raise vital funds to support children with special needs.
Witham Town FC Soccability is putting on a special fundraiser to raise money for equipment and kits, to be used by children with disabilities and additional needs.
Soccability provides free football for young people, regardless of their ability, working to ensure they are able to play sports and develop their social skills.
The group holds free training sessions which take place at the Simarco Stadium every Saturday at 12noon.
The match will see the Soccability team play Team VW Beadles.
Chris Elliott, of the Soccability committee, said: “There will be two children - Leon Waplington and Callum Ridley - who will be playing with other Soccability adults for us, and we will be playing a car company in the area who supported us with a donation when we first started, as a thank you to them.
“The football match is at 2pm, followed by a raffle and auction in the hall after the game, where the bar will be open too.”
The Soccability project is completely self-funded, meaning fundraising is vital.
Chris also stressed how much it helps the children involved.
He said: “My son is autistic and has been attending for nearly two years.
“He was reclusive and didn’t mix with peers because he didn’t know how to or what they expected of him.
“He also shied away from adults but is now a completely different child.
“I am passionate for it after seeing how much it helped my child, and I want more to see the same benefits.
“You could pick any child from a year ago and the difference is immense.
“It is a great way for them to get fresh air, exercise and work on themselves in a safe environment.
“The fact it is free, too, especially as times are getting harder for many, it really helps those involved.
“Everyone can't wait to get out there. Leon and Callum, who have been with us from the start, go and see Witham Town every week, and now they get a chance to be the stars on the pitch.”
The event is this Sunday, November 20. For more information, contact soccability@withamtownfc.co.uk.
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