A WORCESTERSHIRE law firm has donated thousands of pounds to a local charity so young adults with Asperger’s Syndrome can continue playing football.

The £2,354 donation from mfg Solicitors will help Worcester charity ASPIE to cover the costs of hiring minibuses to travel to matches and the pitch hire for its football side, ASPIE Avengers. The money also sees the Tything-based law firm sponsoring the team’s kit for the next year after it became involved through its Worcester office receptionist Lisa Patel, whose son Jordan is a member of the charity. Founded in 2011, ASPIE is a social self-help and motivation group for adults with Asperger’s, a form of autism that can cause difficulties in communicating and forming social relationships.

Kirsten Bridgewater, partner and head of mfg’s corporate social responsibility committee, said: “The football team has a hugely positive impact on the wellbeing of the young people who attend ASPIE. When we found out through Lisa that they were looking for a sponsor we didn’t hesitate to help. We are all very proud to be able to assist such an important, local charity which helps give young people living with this condition the best possible life. Sport plays such an important role.”

The charity was founded by Sarah Micklewright, diagnosed with Asperger’s who completed a law degree and become an accountant as well as being a member of MENSA, the high IQ society. She died in 2014, aged just 38. The charity is now led by her mother Julia, who said: "Living with Asperger’s often means it is difficult to find like-minded people to talk to or take part in activities with. Enjoying football is something that most people do and take for granted. For someone with Asperger’s it is a huge step forward because it is about developing those interpersonal skills, teamwork and friendship that is so often second nature to non aspies out on the pitch. We are very grateful to mfg Solicitors for their generous support and sponsorship which will make an enormous difference to our members and their families.”