ALL young football fans want to cheer on their home team.

But for one bunch of youngsters, supporting their club is even more important.

The Seagulls Specials, a football team for children with special needs, was set up by the Albion and Brighton and Hove Council.

The 50 or so boys, aged between eight and 19, have been going from strength to strength since they began at the end of last year.

In their first ever match last month, they won 9-6.

But the one thing that is missing for these football-mad youngsters is the chance to watch their heroes in action.

If the boys want to watch the Albion play, they must trek 75 miles to Gillingham.

Seagulls Specials organiser Jan Hickley-Smith said: "They know they are part of the Albion and they all want to see the team play.

"We once had a coach trip up to Gillingham in January and were treated superbly by the team. The boys went on to the pitch and had their photos taken with the team.

"The players have some huge fans among the Seagulls Specials."

Now the boys are backing the campaign for a new stadium at Falmer.

Jan, 40, of Nevill Way, Hove, said: "As the boys all have special needs, they each need a carer or parent to come with them, which takes a lot of organising.

"We've only been able to go and watch the Albion once.

"If the Albion came to Falmer it would be great because they would be able to cheer on their team."

The Seagulls Specials, believed to be the first team of its kind in the country, were set up by Jan after her son, Ben, suffered problems on the pitch. The youngster has autism and a severe language disorder.

Jan said: "He had the mickey taken out of him and the boys wouldn't pass the ball to him. Children with special needs normally have low self-esteem and playing with mainstream youngsters can often make them anxious.

"They feel uncomfortable and they are always the odd one out. With Seagulls Specials, everyone's the same."

Albion assistant football development officer David Jupp said: "If a stadium was built at Falmer, all the facilities would be on site so it would be far easier to coach the youngsters.

"With the Albion in town, we could reach a lot more youngsters."

And coach Teresa Sanders, 26, thinks it would benefit children across the county if the Albion came home.

Teresa, of Church Lane, Upper Beeding, said: "I coach a lot of youngsters in Sussex, as well as the Seagulls Specials, and it would benefit them all. They could support their local team and actually watch them play."

Now the Seagulls Specials are appealing for a local company to sponsor their kit. Anyone who can help should call Jan on 01273 563673.

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