An inclusive football club is offering free sessions for Swindon’s youngsters in the hope of getting more children active.

The Football Fun Factory is giving a three-week free trial to all new participants in its tailored sessions for children as young as 18 months up to 12 years old.

Mike Gregory has been a grassroots football coach for 10 years and got involved with managing the club when he saw they were in need of a coach in the Swindon area.

Mr Gregory said: “I saw it as an opportunity to get kids involved in football that normally wouldn’t. It’s really important that children get the opportunity to try something without any pressure.

“Some grassroots clubs tend to only want people with experience or ability, whereas we are totally inclusive.”

125 children currently take part across five sessions at three locations – Haydon Centre, Grange Leisure Centre and Great Western Academy.

The unique sessions for children under five involve a blow-up inflatable pitch that helps to keep the children safe while also acting as a “nice surprise” for newcomers.

“We are always playing games and we encourage the kids to just have fun and dribble the ball around, while also picking up life skills from listening to their coaches and being there for their team-mates.”

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