STAFF at RAF Shawbury have received a visit from the Football Association as part of a Force Development event.

Members of the FA's England Elite Disability Talent Pathway team visited the RAF base, to raise awareness of disability sport on International Day of People with Disabilities.

The FA talent pathway manager, James Watkins, accompanied by coaches and players from the England Blind, Cerebral Palsy and Powerchair disciplines, visited RAF Shawbury to complete a brief on England disability football.

Personnel were also able to experience the different disciplines themselves, with everyone having the opportunity to play with and against the players.

During the event, personnel gained a better understanding of disability sport and in particular football through the FA and the Talent Pathway for Elite Football. It also allowed staff and trainees to see how individuals perform at the highest level with either a visual or physical impairment.

Group Captain Phil Wadlow, RAF Shawbury’s station commander, thanked the FA for the "thought-provoking" event.

He said: “We are very privileged to be able to host this excellent Force Development event with the inspirational England disability players and coaches on International Day of People with Disabilities.

"The staff and trainees from RAF Shawbury have experienced an educational and thought-provoking day, interacting with the elite players.

"Thank you to the FA England Elite Disability Talent Pathway team for assisting us in further developing our personnel at RAF Shawbury.”