New football opportunities are being launched in Frome this month for children with neurodiversity, with two dedicated teams for ages 7 to 16.
Run by Frome Town United, the programme will enable children with a range of neurodivergent needs to enjoy football in a friendly and welcoming setting, with smaller groups and inclusive coaches.
Coach Leroy Green said, “We have young people in our current squads at Frome Town United who are neurodiverse, and they often struggle to get into the team because of social differences. There is sometimes too much going on, and the way you speak to them needs to be considered.”
The new club has two teams, one for children aged seven to 11 years old and one for children aged 12 to 16. When the children are ready, they will have the chance to progress into Frome Town United’s mainstream teams.
“There might be some children with slight physical disabilities like dyspraxia, which affects physical coordination,” said Leroy. “They may struggle to play in a mainstream team where it is more competitive, so they can stay in the team. There is a league in Somerset where they play league games at Strode College once a month.”
Frome Town United’s new teams are part of England Football’s Comets programme, which supports clubs across the country to provide a safe space for children with additional needs to begin their football journey.
In 2024, the Football Association (FA) launched a new strategy to grow disability football participation by more than a third by 2028. As part of this, the FA plans to expand its Comets programme, helping more grassroots clubs run inclusive teams. Last year, there were 150 registered Comets providers in England.
The first sessions will take place on Sunday 14th September from 9am to 10.30am, and again on Sunday 28th September from 9am to 10.30am, at Selwood Academy on the 3G pitch.
Leroy, who will be one of the main coaches, is a PE teacher at North Hill House School in Fromefield, an independent specialist school for students with autism and associated conditions.
To book a space, contact the club by emailing frometownunitedfc@gmail.com or ring 07850608499.
