Young people across West Oxfordshire with disabilities or behavioural difficulties are set for a boost from the National Lottery.

A £70,000 grant has been awarded to West Oxfordshire District Council by Sport England’s Community Sport Activation Fund in recognition of the WODC’s commitment towards making sport more accessible.

The funding allows the District Council to expand and develop a three-year inclusive sports programme of events and activities for 14 to 25-year-olds.

Already running in West Oxfordshire for young people with disabilities is a weekly multi-sports club at the Windrush Leisure Centre, football sessions at Carterton Artificial Turf Pitch and weekly cycling sessions called ‘Junior Wheels for All’ on Witney’s artificial pitch.

Young people attending the multi-sports club were delighted with the news.

George Hiley, aged 14, has been attending the club for several months and, according to his mother Sarah Hiley it is one of his highlights of the week.

She said: “Sport is his passion.

“He is a member of Witney Wolves (rugby team), plays cricket, goes horse riding and does lots more.

“These are wonderful opportunities for him to do something on his own, with other young people in a safe environment where he is supported by trained staff.

“We’re delighted with the news of the lottery grant as it ticks so many boxes for us.

“It is marvellous.”

With additional funding from Sport England, a broader range of sports-specific sessions will be offered in sports such as basketball, boxing, cricket and netball.