The weather might have been cold, but goalkeeper Aidan Davison braved the elements to meet up with children from PARC on Wednesday night.

PARC is a local registered charity that was set up by a group of parents who had disabled children and Aidan headed to their facility in Braintree to visit the kids and help them out with some hand/eye coordination exercises.

THIS IS HOW WE DO IT: Aidan teaches some coordination exercises in training

Following the training session, Aidan took time to speak to the kids before they embarked on a quick match.

The cold weather didn't deter the kids as a lively game ensued, with the U's goalkeeper right in the thick of it.

GETTING STUCK IN: Aidan shows off his skills out on the pitch during the game

PARC was formed after the group's parents felt that their children couldn't access local play areas and mainstream clubs due to their various disabilities and they also felt that there was a lack of respite care available locally.

With the help of local businesses and public donation the charity set up a temporary play and resource centre which operates out of a demountable unit.

Services on offer include disability football, holiday activities, Saturday respite, youth club, art club, premature and sick baby support group.

They currently provide support and essential respite care for around 250 disabled children and their families who rely on the services that they provide as many receive no other help.

The local council granted planning permission for a permanent building and they are now fundraising towards this aim.

Over the last year, PARC have raised a significant amount of money and hope to build in the summer of 2007.

FINAL WHISTLE: The kids celebrate at the final whistle after a enjoyable game

 However, they still need to raise money to equip the building and sensory room.

At the moment all sessions are oversubscribed and they have to turn a number of children away, but in the new building they will be able to care for a greater number of children and provide better facilities for them.

Please see PARC's web-site (www.parc-essex.org) for more details or phone the centre on 01376 528999.