A NEW Whitehaven football team has been created with the aim of making the sport accessible to all adults, regardless of gender or ability.

The team, which plays every Wednesday at 7pm at the Cumbria Sport Academy 3G Astroturf in Hensingham, was created by Robyn Jewell, from Whitehaven.

Robyn thought there was a gap in the Copeland area for a session for those who love the game but would not feel confident enough to contact other local teams.   

Robyn said: "I was apprehensive myself in the weeks leading up to the first session and wasn’t sure that I would be able to persuade people to come to the session.

"I didn't need to be worried... the turnout and support for the sessions has been unbelievable.

"The aim was to appeal to all and that’s exactly what has happened. We have a really diverse group of footballers who are enjoying a fun kick about on a Wednesday evening.

"We’ll take you through some gentle group warm ups and provide team bibs to spend most of the rest of the session playing the game."

The creation of the team was prompted by both the health and mental benefits that being active provides.

Robyn said: "For some people finding the additional money to attend sports sessions isn’t easy during a cost-of-living crisis, so we’ve teamed up with funding partners to cover the costs so anyone can attend for free.

The ‘Clear Your Head Kick About’ sessions are delivered by Copeland Wellness Service, working in partnership with Active Cumbria, Every Life Matters and Cumberland FA.

The sessions have provided people with regular, fun exercise that has been beneficial for their physical health and, provide a place to come and socialise with others and form a support group. 

Ray Sempill, football development officer, Cumberland FA said: "It has been fantastic to see how quickly these sessions have developed thanks to Robyn and the rest of the Copeland Wellness team.

"It has been a pleasure to support this project and I hope that anyone reading this, who thinks they might benefit, will get down to a session and give it a go."

There are also sessions across Carlisle and Workington.