EASTLEIGH’S Silverlake Stadium will be the venue for a free football tournament for special needs schools from across Hampshire.

Reed Education are putting on the April 20 event in association with Eastleigh Football Club, Hampshire Football Association and Youth Sport Trust Project Ability.

Jamie Bray of Reed Education Southampton, said: “It’s very exciting for us to be putting on something like this. The opportunity to give something back is something we believe in at Reed.

“We’re incredibly lucky to have the amazing support from the FA, Eastleigh FC and Youth Sport Trust Project Ability, which we hope will make this event a massive success.

“We’re trying to engage levels of football participation within SEN (Special Educational Needs) across Hampshire.”

Bray, who keeps goal for Andover Town in the Sydenhams Premier Division, added: “Football has been a big part of my life and I know others feel the same way, so why should that ever stop because of any disability?”

April’s tournament is free to all SEN schools in the county.

“We have already been in touch with them and have had a great response,”

reported Bray. “Each child will get a certificate and medal.”