Dean Cartwright of Wigan Athletic Community Trust Ability Counts under 16s team has just been selected to join the England FA under 16s Ability Counts squad.

The FA Ability Counts initiative provides opportunities for people with learning and physical difficulties to take part in football based activities.

Dean was one of a number of players invited to attend a two day trial at the Football Association National Coaching Centre at Lilleshaw in Shropshire. This is the same centre used by the full England football squad and the squads of many other sports.During the 2 day period Dean successfully completed a number of assessments and coaching sessions.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE WORK OF THE ABILITY COUNTS TEAM AND COMMUNITY TRUST CLICK HERE

Dean has progressed from the Wigan Athletic under 16's team to being a member of the Greater Manchester FA Centre FA of Excellence team training once a month at the Cliff Training Ground in Manchester.

Hayley Turner, the Manager of Wigan Athletic Community Trust says 'We as a club are very proud of Deans Success, he is an excellent role model to youngsters and adults with a disability. He uses his enthusiasm for sport as a challenge to his disability but also to support a very positive attitude to life itself".

Frank Melling, Chair of the Ability Counts team is determined to increase the impact of the club in offering youngsters with difficulties the opportunity to enjoy taking part in football activities. He says "The club is proud of Dean's achievement. However it doesn't matter whether you want to follow in his footsteps or you just want a 'kick about' with a group of friends, come down and see what we can offer".

Training sessions take place at 18.00 each Thursday at Christopher Park Complex, Standish Lower Ground. The cost is £1. The club plays matches in the Greater Manchester FA Ability Count Leagues, transport and kit are provided. The club operates on the principle that football is to be enjoyed and not to win at all costs. Every player who attends a match will play some part of it.