Connor Rollinson (left) and James Grayson (right), pictured at a recent Disability Football Event
Non League Yorkshire is to promote Disability Football to a mainstream audience this season.
NLY’s James Grayson and Worsbrough Bridge’s Connor Rollinson are leading the project which includes publishing news about Disability Football from across Yorkshire on the site.
The pair are currently the lead coaches for Pontefract Pirates, the large adult & junior football club for people with learning difficulties and disabilities.
James and Connor will be available to run Turn Up & Play sessions to help clubs across Yorkshire recruit players to either start or build up Disability sections, as long as their Pontefract commitments remain unaffected.
James and Connor said: “When we have chatted socially, we soon realised that we are on the same wavelength and have a lot in common.
“We are both very passionate about Disability Football and helping people who are disabled, have learning difficulties or are socially disadvantaged.
“We soon realised that we could use Non League Yorkshire as a force for good. We see Non League Yorkshire as a big key which could unlock fantastic opportunities.
“We immediately spoke to (Pontefract Pirates chairman) Trevor Waddington and he gave his full support to our ideas.”
Pontefract Pirates chairman and England Mencap coach Trevor Waddington has thrown his weight behind James and Connor.
James, Connor and Trevor will also be exploring the feasibility of setting up an 11-a-side Disability League where matches would be played with two halves of 45 minutes – something not currently available to players.
Pirates chairman Trevor said: “I am fully behind this because I’m all for anything that will create new teams for Disability Football.
“James has made Non League Yorkshire very powerful and very well known and I think that him and Connor have some great ideas.
“Disability Football is all about working together and this venture will benefit everyone.
“James and Connor have been fantastic for the Pirates and I’m sure the Pirates will continue to develop under them.
“They have an excellent working relationship and are an excellent partnership. I’m really enjoying working with them.
“I will be there to support them all the way and I will also help put any clubs who are interested in setting up teams in touch with relevant leagues.”
James and Connor can be contacted by email on info@nonleagueyorkshire.com.