East Midlands Railway Community Fund has supported Disability Football for All (East Midlands) which is part of the East Midlands PAN Disability Football League with funding of £2,500.

Over 130 players are part of the Leauge which supports teams from all over the East Midlands and is currently in its sixth season and was organised for both children and adults with additional needs including autism, cerebral palsy, learning difficulties, mental health issues and those who have had a transplant.

The East Midlands Railway Community Fund award will help with payment for pitch fees, footballs, trophies and referees and as the League relies a great deal on volunteers and the funding will also help towards their out-of-pocket expenses alongside the provision of relevant volunteer courses.

Simon Elmore, manager and player for Nottingham Transplant Football Team, said: “I cannot say how grateful myself and my team are that this disability league is available to us. It helps us improve our physical health, our social health, and mental health.

“Thank you to EMR for its support and to the passionate volunteers from the league that give up their time to allow us to live life again through football.”

Jules Bellingham, League Secretary at East Midlands PAN Disability Football League, said: “We are very grateful for this important funding from EMR’s Community Fund.

“Our ethos is to make football accessible for all and create a safe and friendly environment.

“We want to keep the price the players pay to an absolute minimum but have to balance this with the ongoing rising costs. With this funding, we can guarantee the payment of pitch fees and will be able to have trained referees too.

“Importantly we can also support our hardworking volunteers and make sure our players, who come from all backgrounds, can enjoy playing the game of football as equals with other players from across the East Midlands.”

Kaye Robinson, Community Engagement Manager at East Midlands Railway, said: “This project provides people with additional needs the opportunity to play competitive football in a safe, fun and friendly environment.

“We are delighted to support the league and help many people from our region enjoy the social and health benefits the sport brings.”

To find out more about the East Midlands PAN Disability League please visit www.empdleague.co.uk

The East Midlands Railway Fund focuses on supporting communities and organisations which are located along EMR routes and aims to inspire projects that can make a difference to those in need of it. The fund is available to community rail partnerships, station adoption groups, charities, community interest companies, schools, youth organisations, sports clubs, not-for-profits, and groups such as Beavers or Guides. In order to meet the East Midlands Railway Community Fund criteria, a group or organisation must operate within 15km of a station managed by the rail operator alongside meeting further requirements stipulated by EMR.