Hucknall's frame football team leads the way

But because he has difficulty walking as a result of cerebral palsy, he has not been able to play the sport - until now.

Logan, of Aitchison Avenue, has become a member of Hucknall’s pioneering Rolls-Royce Leisure frame football team, which offers a unique version of football for children who need to use walker-style frames.

The team was set up by Jamie Broughton and it is run by Logan’s mother, Caroline, who works at Hucknall’s Tesco Extra superstore. Her elder son, Corey, 16, plays for Rolls-Royce Leisure’s under-18 team.

Caroline, said: “Being able to play for the frame football team has been a godsend for Logan. There is nothing out there for children who use frames if they want to play football. We have been looking and looking.

“For him to play on the same team as his brother is a dream come true. And it means a lot for him to be able to play with his friends.

“When they are out on the pitch and training, they are just like any other player.

“We have people getting touch all the time. It is becoming a bit of a support group for the parents. It is a lovely atmosphere.”

Back row, from left, coaches Wayne Clifton, John Cheetham, Wayne Appleby, Paul Cropley.
Front row, from left, Theo Hunt, Lily Smith, Logan Scothern, Reid Radburn, Jack Morton, Holly Cleveland, Thea Cropley, Luke Campey, David Walker-Unda. — Back row, from left, coaches Wayne Clifton, John Cheetham, Wayne Appleby, Paul Cropley. Front row, from left, Theo Hunt, Lily Smith, Logan Scothern, Reid Radburn, Jack Morton, Holly Cleveland, Thea Cropley, Luke Campey, David Walker-Unda.

The youngsters not only have the opportunity to play as part of the team but also in national tournaments and games.

Frame football was founded by Richard Seedhouse, who is based in Coventry, and it has gone from strength to strength all over the UK, with other countries now also taking an interest.

In fact, the Rolls-Royce team is currently the largest of its kind in the whole world for the number of players on its books and its total of 15 was increased by two last weekend.

Some live in Hucknall, with others travelling from as far afield as Leicester and Melton Mowbray.

High fives: from left, Luke Campey, Logan Scothern, Jack Morton, Reid Radburn.

Jamie says credit for the team’s success is due to Caroline, coaches John Cheetham, Wayne Appleby and Wayne Clifton as well as sponsor Karl Spencer, of Your Safety Pal.

Funding of the team, which is for girls as well as boys, is vital because frames cost about £400 while such items as tracksuits can also be costly. Frames are made by Quest 88, whose motto is ‘Therapy through activity’.

The team plays on an artificial pitch because it is more suitable for them than grass. During the winter, players are training indoors at Kimberley Leisure Centre.

Any parents who would like their child to join the team or anyone wishing to become a sponsor is asked to contact Jamie by e-mailing [email protected], by text or by phoning Caroline on 07840412553.

Caroline added: “We just want to reach out to more kids who want to play football.”

The family have also received a lot of help from School for Parents, a charity-run organisation based at Sneinton Dale, Nottingham, which supports disabled children and their families in the local community.