Disabled youngsters have been given a chance to take part in sport through a new scheme.

Sportsability provides people with profound and multiple learning disabilities the chance to take part in a range of activities specially adapted to suit their needs, including sensory activities like parachute games, adapted football and other ball games.

During tailor-made sessions at the Phoenix Centre in Wallington every Friday, people will be offered vital sports opportunities following a successful pilot scheme.

The pilot, which finished earlier this year, showed that not only were the exercise classes beneficial in health terms to participants, but they also enjoyed the chance to socialise.

Tony Braiotta, 48, of The Ridgway in Sutton, has benefited from the pilot project.

Fhilippi Lapa, a senior support worker who has taken Tony to a number of the sessions, said: "Tony likes sport and he has really enjoyed the days at the leisure centre.

"The staff are enthusiastic with great ideas and the relationships they build up with the clients are excellent."

Pauline Wood, assistant manager at The Ridgway, said: "The sessions are also an excellent opportunity for Tony to meet up with old friends and make some new ones."

A partnership between Sutton Clinical Health Team for People with Learning Disabilities; SLM, which provided the venue; Sutton MENCAP, which initially contributed staff and equipment on loan to trial and Sutton’s Support and Inclusion Team, has delivered the project.

Councillor Colin Stears, chairman of Sutton Council’s adult social services and health committee, said: "This is a very exciting project which will provide real benefits.

"It also points the way forward for building successful partnerships to provide services for residents with a range of needs across the borough."

Sessions run from 11.15am-12.15pm every Friday at the Phoenix Centre, Mollison Drive, Wallington and cost £3.50. To book a place call 020 8770 6006 or for further information call 020 8770 4146 or email susan.flook@sutton.gov.uk.