It was a day to remember at the Monks Hill Sports Centre when more than 80 people with learning disabilities came together to play some of their favourite sports.

As part of Palace for Life Foundation's sports inclusion day on April 13, people from around Croydon came to the centre in the hopes of learning skills that would stick with them for the rest of their lives.

One of those taking part was 26-year-old Anthony, who has recently started attending weekly football through the foundation’s advanced learning disability group.

“It’s been very interesting, we’ve been doing skills and we played a football match," he said.

"I came last year and it was good, there’s a lot of stuff to do.

"I enjoy playing football and it’s something to do in my local area, so it’s been fun.”

Andrew Slegg, who has known Anthony for a number of years, said the changes he has seen in him since he started playing football had been truly extraordinary.

“He’s just grown and grown," Mr Slegg said.

"I’ve spoken to his coach and he said he’s a really good defender and has been improving each week.

"That confidence that he’ll get through the football will just grow and be used in the rest of his life and help him in other areas of his life too.”

Disability lead officer for youth at Croydon Council, Paul Funnell, who works closely with the foundation reiterated the importance of days like this.

“Not everyone is regularly taking part in sporting activities each week," he said.

"So we hope that days like this encourage people to go on to take part in more regular activities, where they can meet other people and enjoy socialising.”