JAIMIE Dorward isn't particularly a fan of the beautiful game.

For someone who spends her social time helping out at a football club, it may seem an unusual statement, but at least she does know the off-side rule.

"I like the social side of it. The social side of it is fantastic and my son gets to do so many things and he has so many friends," she said.

Jaimie is referring to her son, Aaron, who recently turned 13. Aaron was six when he was diagnosed with Autism, a lifelong developmental disability affecting how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people.

"Outside school it creates a bit of a safe space. It is a big family to us," says Jaimie.

Three years ago Jaimie, a commercial finance manager with the Bradford firm Freeman Grattan Holding and an Ambassador for the National Autistic Society, started helping out at the Bradford Disability Football Club shortly after her son joined the team.

"He was playing for the club and I had a bit of time on my hands so I started to get involved," explains Jaimie, from Bradford.

Travelling to matches and attending events, Jaimie soon settled in to club life. Last May she became a trustee.

Based at Trinity College in Bradford, Bradford Disability Football Club (BDFC) provides professional football coaching to people of all ages with varying disability levels.

The club is affiliated to the FA, Bradford City FC, BDSL & the GB Special Olympic Association.

It was through the club's link with Bradford City - a place Aaron and his team-mates love to play when they get the opportunity - that introduced Jaimie to her new role.

David Dowse, Bradford City's Facilities Manager, previously covered the role of Disability Liaison Officer. But for operational reasons it is difficult for him to leave the control room and this makes it tricky for him to contact disabled supporters on a match-day.

Jaimie will now work closely with David, touring the stadium on match-days and monitoring the needs of supporters with disabilities who attend the matches.

"I am delighted that Bradford City FC has invited me to take on this important role with the club. I intend to build-on the good relationships and facilities here at the Club and enhance the match day experience for all supporters," she says.

For Jaimie the role is a home from home. "We started doing a lot with the lads, going to a lot of games. The lads love being at Bradford City," she says.

While there, the lads from Bradford Disability Football Club, who range from six to 60, get the opportunity to get involved in social events and also volunteer. Last year 80 of the players/carers from the disability club showed their support by holding giant claret and amber scarves at the side of the pitch during the FA cup quarter-final against Reading, and they also help to hand out flyers.

Jaimie says being involved in Bradford City and the Bradford Disability Football club has given Jaimie the opportunity to be part of a group who, she says, are like family.

"I can understand why people get into football because I am right into it but I don't watch the game. I like fussing over people!" she says.

"It's all about the social aspect and the community aspect and belonging to something."

James Mason, Bradford City's Chief Operating Officer, says: "The club is doing a huge amount of work behind the scenes to make sure that football is affordable and accessible to all, this is another important measure that will help the club to continue to reach out to supporters that need additional support to enjoy the full match day experience."

As well as Jaimie's volunteering roles with the Bradford Disability Football Club and as Bradford City's Disability Liaison Officer, she also headlines the Community Foundation's Volunteer Project.

Previously she served as a supporter representative on the Safety Advisory Group and has three years experience as an Ambassador for the National Autistic Society.

Jaimie welcomes any offers of help, information on good practice and good service at the stadium as well as comments and queries where service could be improved.

"I get a lot of personal satisfaction seeing the happiness on their faces and making a difference to somebody's life," adds Jaimie.

To get involved, contact Jaimie on bradfordcityfcdlo@gmail.com.