IT was smiles and happiness as this bunch of Suffolk youngsters enjoyed a special day playing football and making friends.

IT was smiles and happiness as this bunch of Suffolk youngsters enjoyed a special day playing football and making friends.

The event came as the Football Foundation teamed up with the Down’s Syndrome Association in support of its DSActive programme by donating �126,000 to help develop new football teams.

The 12 new teams created for those with Down’s syndrome, will be developed across the country over the next three years.

On Saturday, Ipswich Town Football Club became one of the first teams to get involved in the initiative as youngsters excitedly ran around the team’s training ground.

The ITFC Charitable Trust received �1,400 from the Football Foundation and an extra �5,000 from the DSActive programme, to help fund a 10-week training programme for Down’s syndrome sufferers in Suffolk between the ages of five and 25. David Sheepshanks, ambassador of the Football Foundation and former ITFC chairman, presented a giant cheque of �125,916 to DSActive.

The programme works to offer young people with Down’s syndrome the chance to play regular football in a comfortable, yet challenging environment helping those involved to not only improve their fitness and football skills, but also their confidence and self-esteem.

Other football clubs involved in the scheme include West Ham, Charlton Athletic, Fulham and Queens Park Rangers.

Terry Baxter, chief executive of the ITFC Charitable Trust, said: “We understand the positive impact playing regular football has on the lives of people within our community.

“This funding will enable the trust to engage with DSActive and make a positive difference to many young people with Down’s syndrome who live in Suffolk.

“We are delighted to be a part of this great initiative.”