MEMBERS of a new football team, for local youngsters with cerebral palsy, already know what it is like to attend a world championship.

The Newtown Sports Junior Football Club Cerebral Palsy Team, which has youngsters from the Ledbury and Malvern areas, was only formed in January.

But on Saturday June 20, the children had the pleasure of attending the Cerebral Palsy Football Championship, which was held at St George's Park, Staffordshire and attracted teams from all around the globe.

Liza Phillips, whose daughter Ruby, age 10, is a pupil of Ledbury Primary and a member of the Newtown Sports JFC Cerebral Palsy Team, said: "This is the first time the Championship has been held in England and the Newtown players, were were given the honour of being mascots for the Australia versus Russia match, accompanying the players onto the pitch for the national anthems.

"During the game the Newtown players' work was not over; they were given the very important job of being ball boys and girl, the ball boys near the Australian goal were put through their paces as Russia had plenty of shots at target with the game ending Australia 0, Russia 5. The Australian Captain, David Barber thanked the team for their support and one of our players, Ned Tranmer, presented him with a plaque to remember Newtown Sports JFC."

She added: "In the afternoon the team could relax and enjoy the sell out England v Ukraine match. England held their own against the ranked number 2 in the world but conceded a well worked goal with the game ending 1-0. The England Captain Jack Rutter took the time to meet the young team and he too thanks them for coming to watch."

The club, which operates from Malvern St James Sports Centre, Barnards Green, and meets on Sunday morning, was set up in the new year by Kings Hill Close resident, Scott Tranmer.

Mr Tranmer swung into action after he failed to find a suitable club for his son Ned, aged eight, to play in.

The club, for football-mad youngsters with cerebral palsy, was launched with the help of Newtown Sports FC, the Worcestershire Football Association and Cerebral Palsy Sport England and Wales.

They operate from Malvern St James Sports Centre Barnards Green on a Sunday Morning.

Further information from Scott Tranmer on, jude.scott@sky.com