Jersey Football Club Gives Kids With Disabilities a Team

When 15-year-old Alfie runs onto the football pitch with the FA Comets, he gets something many kids take for granted: a chance to just have fun playing the sport he loves.

For the past five years, coach Mark Ray has been running football sessions in Jersey specifically for children with disabilities. Now, his work just got a major upgrade through a new partnership with the Jersey Football Association.

"It's more than just the football for me," Ray said. He describes watching the children build confidence and make new friends as "magical."

The program fills a real gap for families. MacKenzie, 13, explained it simply: "Some of us can't play with other proper teams so it's good for us to be part of a club."

For parents like Peter Vasse, whose son Ethan has Down's Syndrome, the sessions offer both joy and relief. "There's not loads of activities for children outside of school," Vasse said, adding that the program gives families some freedom while their kids play.

The best moments? "You can see Ethan's face when he scores a goal and his arms go up each time," Vasse shared.

Fifteen-year-old Callum keeps it real about what matters most: enjoying competitive matches and getting to "do a kick about" with friends who understand.

Sunny's Take

This story captures something beautiful about sports at their best. Ray didn't just create a football program. He built a community where kids who often face barriers get to experience the pure thrill of teamwork, competition, and belonging.

The partnership with Jersey Football Association means Ray's five years of dedication can grow into something even bigger. More coaches, more resources, and most importantly, more kids getting the chance to feel their arms shoot up in celebration after scoring a goal.

These aren't charity cases or inspiration stories. They're just kids who love football, finally getting their fair shot to play.

The Comets welcome children aged 7 to 15, and families can reach out to the Jersey Football Association to get involved.