FIVE colleges from the area took part in a pan-disability football festival at Mid Cheshire College to increase inclusion in sport.

Teams from Mid Cheshire College, Pettypool, Stockport, Trafford and South Cheshire colleges descended on the sport halls at Mid Cheshire College for the tournament. The five-a-side tournament, organised by Cheshire Football Association, had an emphasis on inclusion and enjoyment.

This was one of many pan-disability football tournament held in Cheshire aimed specifically at students with an impairment or disability. Cheshire FA aims to organise at least three festivals a year.

Tom Elliot, County Football Development Officer (Disability) from Cheshire FA said: “The main thing about these festivals is that everyone who plays enjoys playing.

“It doesn’t really matter about the result or who wins or loses, just as long as everyone is having fun. It doesn’t matter how good you are or what skills you have, it’s whether you want to play football.”

Pan-Disability football festivals also encourage mixed sex matches to get girls with impairments or disabilities playing the game.

Mid Cheshire College, which offered its facilities for the tournament, provided refreshments for the teams from its student-run Novel Bite Café.

Mike Kirkman, lecturer for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities at Mid Cheshire College, said: “We had students from all areas taking part, including motor vehicle, painting and decorating, brickwork. All in all it was a really successful and fun day for everyone involved.”