A grey and overcast day greeted teams from as far afield as Derbyshire for the Northampton Town Pan Disability Football Competition being staged at Unity College in Northampton.

There are 5 counties in the East Midlands League, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.

Each county stages one festival, and over the 5 events the teams in each category are given points on their finishing position. At the end of the season these points are totalled and the winning team in each category go forward to the National finals to represent the region. Last season Northampton's Championship squad were the winners and went to the David Beckham Academy but unfortunately they beaten by a strong Everton side in the national semi-final.

This was the first event of the season, hosted by Northampton Town. The day was hailed as a fantastic success and all players were presented with participation medals.

Northampton Town Multi disabled fielded teams in the Premiership, Championship, League and under 16's competitions, with varying degrees of success. The Premiership team came 1st in their group, the Championship came 2nd in theirs while the League came 4th on goal difference.

Lastly but by no means least, the under 16's fielded a team of eight keen players who, confronting teams both larger and faster, put in a tremendous performance, defending well, and even showing flashes of brilliance that saw them score two goals. The first saw Ben Deboo scampering down the wing and crossing a ball that ultimately fell at Ashley Keenan's feet who coolly slotted home. The second saw great team effort allowing players to break away with Dominic this time finding the back of the net.

Special mention is due to Suzie Kinlin, the only girl in the competition, who capped a brave show in goal saving brilliantly in the closing match of the day from a shot thunderously struck from the half way line, but despite all of their efforts they came last in a very strong league.

This was a good start to the league with another 4 festivals still to be played in different counties.

Well done all!

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