A new disability school football programme has been welcomed by special needs pupils around the Isle of Man.

The scheme, which began earlier this year, gives children a chance to participate in a series of Football Association coaching sessions.

The training culminated in a football festival at the National Sports Centre, where the primary school pupils played matches against each other.

Disability sports officer Zoe Carney said: "Some of the children have never played competitively before.

"They absolutely loved the atmosphere of playing in a football match against other schools."

About 50 children from seven Special Educational Needs Units around the Isle of Man took part in this year's festival on Tuesday, 23 November.

It is hoped the scheme will be extended to the island's secondary schools in 2011.

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