Crystal Palace Football Club have been working in conjunction with the London Borough of Sutton to provide special needs children in the area with an opportunity to improve their social and physical skills.

Sutton Eagles FC was initially set up in as a pilot scheme by London Borough of Sutton's Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

Coaching is provided by Crystal Palace FC 'Football In The Community' coaches and parents who have completed Level 1 coaching course with the FA.

The special needs covered by the partnership include Autistic Spectrum Disorder (including Asperser's Syndrome), learning, physical and sensory impairments (including language and hearing impairments and cerebral palsy), ADHD and various medical conditions.

The coaches are also given confidential 'Player Profiles' for all children taking part, so that they are aware of each child's individual needs.

The training sessions are held at Westcroft Leisure Centre on Saturdays starting with the 5-9 year olds at 2pm. Further details can be found at www.suttoneagles.com.

The Sutton Eagles have recently got a new shirt sponsor - Wallington Cars & Couriers who kindly donated the children a full set of replica 07/08 Palace kit whilst CPFC supplied the letters and numbers for the back of the shirts.

Last month the Eagles played at The David Beckham Football Academy in Greenwich and they left after a hectic day with the winners trophy.

The event was sponsored by the Daytrippers Childrens Charity as the children were involved in over 60 matches. The U12s were in a group which saw them play six games in total and they won them all just conceding one goal through the whole event.

A big thank you to all players who attended and a big thank you to Wallington Cars and Couriers as well as CPFC for their help with the Eagles.

Players: Joshua Taylor,Abbie Taylor, Connor Tong, Jarad Tong, Harry Phillips, Ferdie Gould, Georgie Dawes, Ben Fai Lankshear, Aidan Horrex, Sam Stoneman, Callum Stoneman.