ASPIE Avengers, the Worcester football team supporting people with Asperger's Syndrome, has been shortlisted for a top national award.

It has reached the finals of the NLD & Autism Sporting Chance Award for being excellent ambassadors for ASPIE, the self-help and motivation group for adults with the condition.

The team's achievements included coming third in its league in only its first season, being guests of Worcester City Football Club at the Harriers ground in Kidderminster, publicity from winning the first Worcester Soup event and attracting younger players. Three team members also trained as coaches to enhance their interpersonal and leadership skills.

The team's cheerleader Julia Micklewright said: "Whether they win or not everyone is so proud of them because they embody exactly what ASPIE is about, friendship and belonging. The team has bonded and we’ve seen them progress from being stilted and uncoordinated to becoming disciplined, communicative and co-operative on and off the pitch, as well as being happier and healthier with an improved quality of life. They meet at ASPIE, head off to training together often joining up with other ASPIE members and going for pizzas/ sleepovers, which those with experience of autism will agree, is truly remarkable."

There are 21 award categories in all and the winners will be announced at a gala dinner at The ICC in Birmingham on July 14.

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