I WONDERED if there could be some mileage in a future column in the Advertiser to celebrate the many unsung heroes who work tirelessly to make Andover a better place to live.

An example of this is we have a long-term foster placement of a boy currently nine years of age who has learning difficulties.

He has been with us for six years.

We found a gem in Andover in the form of an all-inclusive football club.

Up until finding ‘Streets Ahead’, we have tried many clubs and sports groups but unfortunately, as he was not as fast and able as the other children of his age, he never got picked for teams.

‘Streets Ahead’ is a growing, dedicated voluntary-run, all-inclusive football club based in Andover for those people who find it difficult to participate in ‘mainstream’ football teams.

There is nothing stopping them at ‘Streets Ahead’.

All receive a welcome, whether five or 50 years old.

The club is open to all ages and sexes providing a safe, enjoyable experience for all players.

It is affiliated to the Hampshire Inclusion League.

Festivals are held throughout the year at various locations where the players can put their skills in to practice by playing short matches with teams of similar abilities.

Social events are held annually with a Christmas party in December and a presentation evening at the end of the season.

The small team at ‘Streets Ahead’ is made up of Linda Richmond, who initially came up with the idea and launched the club assisted by the club secretary, Sue Simmonds. Maria Lowings, who as director of football, ensures the admin is all in place for evening training and tournaments, Pascal Foley who provides the transport to get the players to and from the sessions and Dominic Calvert (the coach) all give their time freely every Thursday evening for training sessions (currently at Harrow Way School) and various weekends to attend or organise tournaments for similar groups in the area.

I have been attending this group for about 12 months and have been really impressed by both the dedication and professionalism of the group, in particular the coach Dominic and the director of football, Marie.

I have observed not only our child but the other members grow in confidence, not only in football skills, but also socially and this is due mainly to the patience and professionalism of Dom the coach.

All members love him. He is an exceptionally nice person.

A friendly place, where the enthusiasm of the volunteers rubs off on to the members.

Whatever difficulty, ‘Streets Ahead’ welcomes them in.

As parents and carers of those members who benefit from this club we would love to be able to formally say a big thank-you to Linda, Sue, Pascal, Dom and Marie in recognition of their commitment to the club through your letters page.

Tim Barker, Sarum Close, Shipton Bellinger