Regional winner, Ben Clark-Monks, age 17 has been recognised by Leicester City Football in the Community and received a Player of the Year Award from the New Football Pools and the Football League Trust.

Every Player Counts, a leading project of The Football League Trust and supported by The New Football Pools, is delivering a three-year, PAN-Disability scheme to develop football opportunities for people with all types of disability in the area.

To recognise the efforts of the scheme locally The New Football Pools, in association with the Football League Trust, has launched a 'Player of the Year Award' to recognise excellence in the game and commitment to the programme.

Ben was presented with the award by 1966 World Cup legends Roger Taylor and Gordon Banks.

Ben Clark-Monks was nominated for player of the year. At the age of 12, Ben was told by his mainstream Club to 'find another sport to play', as he could not cope with the football environment. Ben did struggle as it was challenging to be involved in a team sport, he had difficulty with his fundamental movement skills. Undeterred by this Ben became more resilient and determined to succeed at a sport he loves.

Ben then became involved with Leicester City Woodgate Inclusive (Disability) FC, where he trains every week and plays in the disability football league. Ben is Captain of his team and has become a good leader and always encourages other players, this helps Ben to overcome his own disabilities. Through Ben's hard work, he was then selected for the Centre of Excellence, which is co-ordinated by Leicester City Football in the Community Disability Officer, David Eassom.

Leicester City Football in the Community is one of 38 Football League Community Schemes to deliver Every Player Counts, the first National PAN-Disability programme, this season.

Jon Sheehy, Marketing Director at The New Football Pools said: "The nominations for these awards are inspiring. This programme really demonstrates the power of football and how sport can provide a real driving force for change.

"This stems from our core heritage as a football business committed to supporting local and national initiatives within the club's communities. Creating opportunities and pathways for players of all abilities is a central theme of the Every Player Counts scheme and we hope recognition through these awards will add to the individual's motivation and success."