Albion are supporting a scheme to create teams for children with special needs throughout Sussex.

The Disability Football Project will be launched before next Wednesday's game against Hartlepool at Withdean.

Ten players from the Seagulls Specials will be involved in the pre-match warm-up.

A cheque for £2,000 will also be presented by project sponsors Southern Water.

The same sum is being provided by Sportsmatch, a Government initiative encouraging local businesses to fund sports schemes.

The project has been organised and part-funded by Brighton and Hove Council.

It follows the success of the Seagulls Specials team linked to Albion.

Teresa Sanders, the Council's disability football development officer, said: "We are trying to set up seven or eight Seagulls Specials around the county with this project and then to form a League.

"We set up another club in Burgess Hill two weeks ago and one combining Horsham and Crawley last year.

"The next two initiatives are Bexhill and Worthing, so they will be spread throughout the county.

"Sport tends to be low on the list of priorities in special schools, but we want to work with the children and the teachers to change that.

"Seagulls Specials has highlighted how important these opportunities are."

Dave Williams, Southern Water's community relations manager, said: "I have watched these kids and it is brilliant to see the pleasure and enjoyment it gives them."