Medway United Football Club embark on their new Comets pan-disability programme next weekend.

The new sessions are being put on by Mark Davis - the club’s Soccer School lead coach and founder - along with his son Finn, who also already coaches youngsters at Medway.

Weekly outdoor sessions will take place at the Thames View Primary School from next Saturday (April 5), from 12pm-1pm, free of charge.

Other clubs in Kent, such as Maidstone United, Sheppey United and Gravesham Girls & Women are hosting Comets sessions but the new enterprise will give more opportunities for those in the Medway towns and surrounding areas.

Mr Davis said: “Medway United caters for most age groups, most pathways, obviously with the girls, the boys, adults, vets and things like that.

“One thing we hadn't done up until now was running a disability programme. We'd done the necessary training to be able to put these sessions on for children with pan-disabilities, which is from five until 11-years-old.

“We’re really just trying to put the word out. There isn't a lot in the area that can cater for boys and girls of that age group that maybe feel they can't join other sessions that go on with the clubs.

“We thought we'd put this on and it would be great to see as many kids as we can sign up. We'd like to see as many boys and girls come down here as possible.”

Comets is a recreational, pan-disability football programme, backed by the Football Association, focusing on playfulness and friendships, giving a fun and positive experience of football.

Medway say their sessions will “focus on teamwork, fitness, and personal growth, creating a welcoming space for all players to thrive.

They add: “We believe football should be accessible to everyone, and our goal is to foster a love for the game while promoting social connections and an active lifestyle. Come along, get involved, and be part of a fantastic footballing community!”

Sessions are open for those new to football or have played before with experienced coaches able to tailor activities to ensure everyone can participate at their own pace.

Medway United run soccer school sessions from as young as three years old, right to way to veterans football, for men and women, with around 700 players registered with the club.

The Comets programme is aimed at increasing football participation among the disabled with the Football Association’s four-year strategy from 2024-28 aiming to increase it by a third. They aim to reach 28,300 registered disabled people to have access to local grassroots clubs by the end of that period.

FA chief exec Mark Bullingham said: “We want to ensure that everyone has the choice and inspiration to play football regardless of age, background or ability.”

The long-term objective nationally is to develop England Para teams for international success although participation and enjoyment is the no.1 goal.

Louise Gear, head of development at the FA, said: “We're committed to helping schools and grassroots clubs strengthen their disability football offerings, both on and off the field, ensuring football is truly open to everyone."

Medway United’s Comets Disability Programme runs from Saturday, April 5, right the way to December. Registration is now open here on the England Football website.