A FOOTBALLER from Skipton is set to (eventually) represent his county at the Special Olympics in Liverpool.

Henry Waudby, 16, is one of seven players from Bradford City Disability to be selected for the Yorkshire and Humberside team at the games.

They were set to be held in August 2021 but were postponed, due to the coronavirus pandemic, this morning. The hope is that a new date will be announced soon.

Over 2,000 athletes were due to take part in a range of sports at next year's games, including gymnastics, swimming and a motor activities training programme for people with multiple cognitive disabilities.

Henry, who has been playing for almost four years, excelled throughout the age groups and is now starring for the Blues, the second level of adult team at City.

He also played a vital part in helping the Under-16s reach two FA People’s Cup semi-finals.

Paul Jubb, City DFC's head coach, who was speaking before the news of the games being postponed, believes Henry’s potential is endless and is pleased that he can show his talent on an even bigger stage.

Jubb said: "We have two or three players that come from Skipton and I just think it is unbelievable that, on a Tuesday and Thursday night, they travel from there to Bradford through the rush hour traffic to come and train.

"Henry plays in defence and gets stuck in. He plays in an adult league now and is not scared.

"He is playing against men and he is still only young.

"He can only get better, he is learning every time he plays. We teach him to learn from his mistakes and he does listen.

"He is just generally a good lad and I am proud that he gets to go (to the Special Olympics)."

Henry’s mum, Sarah, thinks the club has done wonders for her son.

She said: "Henry has made so many friends and it has been great for him socially. He has really come on since joining.

"He is really looking forward to getting a tracksuit and possibly even a medal (at the games)."

Earlier this month, there was some doubt cast over whether the club would be able to afford the costs that come with participation.

They set a target of £3,500 on a JustGiving page to help fund accommodation, travel costs and tracksuits. An amazing £3,385 has been raised at the time of writing.

Jubb is blown away by the support, especially one donation, and says the players are eager to get back playing when it is safe to do so.

He added: "We were expecting little donations but when a guy (Liam Grant, who donated £2,500) puts that much in, it has (nearly) smashed the target.

"The players have been fed up and bored in lockdown. We had a FIFA tournament but they can’t see their friends at training or go to the games at the weekend.

"They are all keen to get back playing.

"We just have to wait to see when football is allowed back and we are allowed to get back training."