Cambridge United are proud to be supporting disability football in the community.
Gary Marheineke (pictured above) has recently joined Cambridge United Youth & Community Trust as Disability Football Development Officer. Gary is a keen footballer who has played in the Cambridgeshire leagues and has a personal interest in supporting disability football as he is missing his lower right arm and hand.
Currently goalkeeper for the Great Britain Amputee Football Team, Gary has represented Great Britain at two international tournaments, winning them both!
Speaking on his new post with CUYCT, Gary said: "I'm really excited about growing the disability football programme with Cambridge United. I look forward to helping children, young people and adults participate in football and sport in general, also to help give people the confidence to really get involved. I believe my experiences have helped me greatly and am really cherishing the chance to help others achieve the best they can."
Cambridge United Youth and Community Trust in partnership with Cambridgeshire FA currently run a football session on Saturday morning for players with cerebral palsy and down syndrome at Impington Village College.
Gary plans to also work with local Special Educational Needs schools, charities and organisations within Cambridgeshire, providing developmental, fun and skill based sessions.
CUYCT have been awarded grants from Lloyds Bank Community Fund and Almary Green which will help Gary deliver these sessions around Cambridgeshire.
For more information on disability football sessions and if you would like Cambridge United to get involved with your school, charity or organisation, contact Gary on disabilityfootball@cambridge-united.co.uk or 01223 566 500.