A move to put the 'all' back into football kicked off today when York's two special schools combined for a disability football festival at Burnholme Community College.

Applefields and Hob Moor Oaks have joined forces with Copmanthorpe Football Club and the North Riding County FA to open new sporting avenues for youngsters with disabilities in the city.

Qualified coaches from FA Charter Standard club Copmanthorpe have been training children at the two schools in recent weeks leading up to the festival.

Yorkshire Water have backed the event with drinks for those taking part to encourage healthy living, and top football referee Jeff Winter, also known as TV's Superstars whistler, was due to drop by to present the prizes.

The event is acting as a launchpad for a new Soccability coaching centre at Copmanthorpe FC for all youngsters with disabilities across the city to access coaching and develop their skills.

Updated: 11:08 Wednesday, November 23, 2005