RICHARD BATSON Wheelchair footballer Jonathon Byrne has a clear goal in his sights - to find some team mates. The 15-year-old enjoys the sport at school, but now there is a bid to set up a club for other disabled soccer players around Norfolk.

RICHARD BATSON

Wheelchair footballer Jonathon Byrne has a clear goal in his sights - to find some team mates.

The 15 year old enjoys the sport at school but now there is a bid to set up a club for other disabled soccer players around Norfolk.

The nearest such club is in London or the West Midlands.

Family and friends are rallying round in an attempt to kick off a local team, which is named after the lad.

At the weekend they held a taster session in the emerging club's headquarters, Worstead Village Hall in north Norfolk.

Jonathon, from Sutton, near Stalham, plays and coaches in the team at the Clare Special School in Norwich. The youngster, who has a rare form of muscular dystrophy, said players used a combination of legs and chairs to "kick" the big footballs.

He is a keen Norwich City fan.

Jonathon said he enjoyed playing the game at school but also wanted to do the sport at weekends - and hoped other disabled youngsters would join him.

Family friend Lisa Charman, who has led the formation of the club, said it was also looking to add a team for young players with learning difficulties. "Our big goal is to get invited to an annual disabled soccer event held in America," she added.

The club is setting up a web-site, thanks to sponsorship from North Walsham-based web company the Beauchamp Partnership, with youngsters helping to design the logo.

It has also been helped by Miss Charman's father Rod, who is buying a £50 special football, while Jonathon will run a stall at his school's Christmas fair in the hope of buying another.

Anyone interested in joining or helping the club should contact Miss Charman on 01692 535003 or chairman Paul Laing on 07786 900681 or e-mail paullaing@hotmail.co.uk