A BRAND new multi-sports academy for those with physical or sensory impairments has been launched in Southend for those aged nine to 19.

It is the brainchild of Southend East School Sports Partnership’s school sport co-ordinator David Hardman and is held at Southend Leisure and Tennis centre on a Monday evening, 6-8pm.

He obtained funding through Southend’s “Aiming high” organisation to put on the weekly sessions. With more than 20 children attending on a weekly basis, those participating take part in sports ranging from football, Boccia, table tennis, judo, athletics and many more.

All sports are represented by national governing body coaches. The club would not be as successful without the dedication and enthusiasm of volunteers from Belfairs High School and Vinvolved volunteers, along with the support from parents and coaches.

Shannon Wilson, one of the pupils helping at the club through Belfairs’ Duke of Edinburgh award said: “It has been an amazing experience, which has been such an opportunity to see how sport has given the children such a positive approach and to see their personalities and get to know the group’’ The mother of Billy Gibbons, one of those who attends, said: “This has been a long waiting club. It’s fit for purpose because the children are included and can achieve better results at an individual level.’’