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A disabled football team does already exist and it's affiliated to Ipswich Town Football Club. However, it's for people who have learning disabilities and the use of their legs rather than for people in wheelchairs.

When she was in her mid-20s, Claire had an accident while she was training with the Suffolk Special Constabulary. She had to start using a wheelchair after developing spinal arthritis.

The wheelchair footballers have already held a taster morning at Northgate Sports Centre in Ipswich, but they're going to need more players and supporters if they're to get a team going.

The team will be called the Ipswich Charioteers Wheelchair Football Club and they're hoping to be holding monthly training, taster and recruitment sessions.

In May 2008, the team received sponsorship from Novotel, but they're always looking for more. Contact the disabled sports charity Optua on 01473 836770 or contact Claire directly on 07786 062656.

Listen to a Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Suffolk feature on the wheelchair football session at Northgate by clicking on this audio link:

You can also see Claire berate Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Suffolk's Mark Murphy when he appeared at Portman Road in a Norwich City kit for Children In Need 2007. Click on the 'Murphy the Canary' link on the right.