BIG-HEARTED residents have rallied round to support disabled children as they discover fun, teamwork and achievement playing football.

Winsford Awareness Forum has donated £955 to Winsford Community Disabled Football Club.

Dad-of-two Shaun Kirkpatrick organises a quarterly collection amongst the forum's 2,500 members. Everyone who makes a donation is invited to join Shaun's crowdfunding site and nominate a local charity.

The cause which receives the most votes is given the cash.

Numerous charities in the town including New Images youth club, GGO Community group, Foodbank, the Salvation Army, Hebden Green Community School and Cotswold House have received donations since Shaun launched the fundraising site two years ago

Shaun, 48, said: "The support I have had has been fantastic. The community decides where the money goes. We have helped out so many different places, we are going to carry on."

Winsford dad Tony Mitchell, who founded Winsford Community Disabled Football Club a year ago, is thrilled with the donation.

Shaun added: "Tony was lost for words and couldn't thank me enough. He was overwhelmed by what we are doing and absolutely made up with the gift."

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Young players with a range of disabilities have achieved goals on the pitch they never dreamed possible.

As they kick a ball and relish being part of a team, their confidence and self esteem have soared.

More than 30 boys and girls of all ages and disabilities train every Sunday.