YOUNG footballers are raising awareness of a charity which hopes to provide a sensory play area and social cafe.

The venture would be aimed at children and young people with additional needs and their families in Northwich and Winsford.

The charity Tiny Steps was set up two years ago by Martin and Laura Clifton from Davenham, whose five-year-old daughter Connie was diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy at eight months and congenital hip dysplasia at 14 months.

The couple have raised £30,000 towards the play area and social cafe, and are organising an evening at Winnington Recreation Club in November to mark the charity’s second anniversary.

Rick Paton, the manager of Witton Wolves under 9s football team, has known Martin for a number of years, and wanted to help the charity.

He arranged to have the charity’s logo printed on training jackets used by the players, manager and coaches.

“I got to meet Connie when Martin and Laura came to support our car wash for club funds at The Watermead,” said Rick.

“What Martin and Laura are doing is commendable - they are role models to the rest of us for the vision they have and what they want to achieve.

“It’s a pleasure to know them, and I hope, with the help of the logo, we can promote Tiny Steps across Cheshire to help them get to where they want to be.”

The anniversary evening is on Friday, November 13, from 7.30pm to 12.30pm.

It will feature live music from The Penguin Incident, a DJ and raffle, and tickets are £7, available through the Tiny Steps website and Facebook page.

“It’s fantastic what the Witton Wolves have done for us, and will really help raise awareness of the charity,” said Martin, who is planning to take on a major mountain challenge in Snowdonia before the end of October to raise money for the charity.

To complete the Welsh 3000s Challenge those taking part have to reach the summit of all 15 of the mountains over 3,000 feet in Wales within 24 hours, without using any form of transport.