Inspiring team in the running for trophy

Oldham's Olympic gold medallist Nicola White with children from Chadderton Park Sports Club Cerebral Palsy team.

CHADDERTON Park Cerebral Palsy Football team is looking to add another trophy to its cabinet after being shortlisted in the 2017 National Diversity Awards.

The CP team was the first in the north west to offer footballing opportunities to youngsters with cerebral palsy and has trail-blazed the sport ever since.

Three years on they now have 50 children on their books who travel from all over the country to their fortnightly practice sessions and five Football Association affiliated teams.

They have inspired others to set up CP teams around the UK and regularly take part in tournaments to give their amazing players - who range in age from four to 16 - the buzz of playing competition football.

Not only that but they are a source of friendship and empowerment for the players and the parents who have formed a strong bond through being involved with the club.

Olympic gold medallist hockey player, Nicola White, is also a keen supporter of the team and was recently guest of honour at their presentation night.

The team was one of 22,000 groups and organisations nominated and is up for the Community Organisation Award for Disability Category.

The awards - to be held at the Anglican Cathedral, in Liverpool, on September 8 - celebrate the achievements of grass-roots organisations such as local charities, role models and community heroes.

Chadderton Park club secretary, Craig Simpson, said: "We are all so proud to have been shortlisted and we're all looking forward to attending the awards evening.

"However the additional awareness of football for children with cerebral palsy is what it's all about, if we can attract a new player or even another group throughout the country to set up similar then it's a job well done."