Participants in the league have disabilities including autism, behavioural, cerebral palsy, learning, physical and visual. The clubs grade their teams as Premiership, Championship and Non-League and remind us all of the lesson that the taking part is the most important aspect of the game.

East Anglian Daily Times: Action from the Ability Counts FestivalAction from the Ability Counts Festival (Image: Archant)

The matches are played in 7-a-side format, but if numbers are tight then the teams reduce the number of their players to match their opponent’s numbers. A true Corinthian spirit on display.

As for anyone who plays the game, the match result is important to every team and player and each and every one gave their all for their team. As usual, the matches were played in a very sporting manner and win, lose or draw, the final whistle saw handshakes all round demonstrating the great camaraderie that exists between each of the players and clubs involved.

With spectators cheering on the teams, there was a there was a competitive but friendly atmosphere throughout the Festival and the SIL and the Suffolk FA would like to thank all who contributed to such an enjoyable day, including referees Stephen Baldock & Gavin Roberts.

At the conclusion of play for the day, each player was presented with a memento of the occasion by the President of the Touchline SIL, Ipswich Town legend and FA Cup hero, Roger Osborne.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ipswich Town legend and FA Cup final hero, Roger Osborne, presents the mementos at the Ability Counts Festival, held at Ransomes Sports FCIpswich Town legend and FA Cup final hero, Roger Osborne, presents the mementos at the Ability Counts Festival, held at Ransomes Sports FC (Image: Archant)

SIL Chairman then closed proceedings, with a huge thank you all who took part and to Ability Counts main sponsors, AJ’s Legacy & Aldi.