Pro Touch SA Elite with the Middlesex FA PAN Disability County Cup trophy

THE “unbreakable bond” between a group of footballers was clear for all to see on Sunday when they captured the Middlesex FA PAN Disability County Cup.

Hotshots from Pro Touch SA Elite couldn’t hide their delight at Goals Ruislip – a popular sports facility in west London – after they won their way through to the five-a-side final.

The free-scoring squad, made up of players who all have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), went on to secure the silverware in style with a resounding 5-1 victory over Ruislip Rangers.

Pro Touch SA coach Paul Davis was keen to stress the importance that playing the beautiful game has on the physical and mental health of his “footballing family” after watching them return to the training pitches in Westminster with winners’ medals draped around their necks.

“Football is such a lifeline for the players,” said Paul, who lives in Camden Town. “It brings us together as a family. We’re a brotherhood, and we look out for each other both on and off the pitch.

“We always say, ‘When one of us is feeling down, the whole team is feeling down’ – and we work together and support each other to help lift each other back up again. We all share an unbreakable bond.”

The club trains weekly at Academy Sport near Westbourne Green, which is managed by Westminster Academy. They also regularly play games at the artificial pitches in Market Road, Islington.

Insisting Pro Touch SA’s doors are always open to new players, Paul added: “The core of our squad is made up of talented players from Camden, Westminster and Islington. We only had a handful of players when we originally started, but now we have more than 40 players on the books covering a wide-range of abilities.

“We’re always happy to welcome new players. We even have a buddies system where we pair new players up with more experienced members of the squad to help them settle in. We see players meet on the pitch, and they soon become friends and start hanging out and socialising together. It’s incredible to watch.”

Reflecting on Pro Touch SA’s latest trophy triumph, Paul said: “Winning the Middlesex County Cup is the perfect reward for all the hard work that our players and coaches have put in all season. Everyone has put in a shift and they really deserve this success.

“But the best is yet to come. We are joining the Middlesex PAN Disability County League next season, too, and we are very much in it to win it.

“Ruislip Rangers were the champions this season and we have just beaten them 5-1, which speaks volumes. We’re really looking forward to the challenge.”

• To find out more about joining Pro Touch SA Elite’s SEND squad, call Paul on 07874 872 047 for details.