THE Football Association has awarded its prestigious charter standard to the Worcestershire Disability Football Club.

The WDFC was formed in 2004 following an initiative by the County FA and Worcester City Football Club to extend the provision of football facilities to the wider community.

A few enthusiastic parents of children with disabilities took on the daunting task of setting up the club and arranging a football fun- day to recruit members. This went well and an initial membership of 33 joined the club.

Since then, some of the original players have moved on to other endeavours, one has even signed up with Malvern Town FC, but the club is now running with around 20 regular players and has taken part in several tournaments organised under the FA Ability Counts banner.

The WDFC recently received another boost to their status in being named one of only 38 Ability Counts clubs in England. This award brings with it some very welcome funding and will allow the WDFC to press on with its recruiting drive and purchase some essential training equipment.

The club was formed to provide opportunities for the enjoyment of football for all those people in Worcestershire who may not be able to take part in the mainstream game for many different reasons.

The club trains most Sundays at Elgar Technology College, Bilford Road, Worcester, from 10.30am till noon.

Anyone wishing to join the club should first take a look at their website at www.wdfc.org and check the eligibility rules.

You will find that there are not many exemptions and they would make new members very welcome.