A FOOTBALL tournament for people with intellectual disabilities was held at the University of Worcester.

The seven-a-side event organised by Special Olympics West Midlands took place on the 3G pitch.

It brought together about 90 players from as far afield as Bournemouth.

Students from the university helped run the tournament, alongside volunteers from Special Olympics.

Ron Daykin, vice chairman of Special Olympics Redditch, helped plan the event.

He said: "It went very well, with the number of teams we had we were able to focus on quality matches and getting as many games in as we could.

"One of the things that attracted us to the university was the fantastic 3G pitch.

"It really fitted the bill - not just the facilities but the support and the welcome we had from them,

"A big plus was that the university wanted to be involved and students helped out.

"I hope they learned something from and we can all benefit from it."

The teams involved on Saturday were from Stafford, Dudley, Birmingham, Solihull, Redditch and Bournemouth.

It was one of a number of events held under the Special Olympics banner across the country this year.

These give people with intellectual disabilities the chance to take part in a number of sports.

Mr Daykin, 58, said: "It's not just football, there have been about 30 different sporting events already this year.

"The ethos is to give people opportunities that they perhaps might not have had, just because they have a learning disability."

The tournament was co-organised by the Redditch and Solihull branches of Special Olympics.

Anyone who wants to get involved with the charity's work should visit specialolympicsgb.org.uk/