Every Player Counts is the largest disability sports project in England and Wales.

It is also a leading project of The Football League Trust, made possible by a grant of £2.59 million from The Football Pools.

The objective of Every Player Counts is to provide opportunities for disabled people, and to increase their ability to live independently - to enjoy the same choice, control and freedom of other citizens - at home, at work and as members of the community by improving confidence and building their social network.

While Every Player Counts now enjoys a national profile, each local project is tailored to meet the specific needs of its area.

Derby County's project focuses on adults with mental health issues, whilst Hereford United work closely with the National College for the Blind and run a project that works with the visually impaired.

Lincoln City and Nottingham Forest run powerchair football in counties where there was previously no wheelchair provision.

And Leicester City operate a pan-disability project working with all groups across Leicestershire.

To recognise the efforts of Every Player Counts locally, The Football Pools, in association with The Football League Trust, recognises excellence in the game and commitment to the programme, by awarding the 'Player of the Year Award' to one individual that made an outstanding contribution to the programme.

Last year, 19-year-old Chris McDonald, who is captain of Northampton Town's multi-disabled team, won the top prize and said: "Football is my life and to be recognised in such a way is so special."

The Every Player Counts title crowned a remarkable double achievement for Chris, having also been selected for East Midlands Cerebral Palsy Elite Squad.

Iain Dowie, The Football League Trust's Ambassador for Disability Sport, said: "The Football League Trust and Every Player Counts is such a powerful and vibrant link.

"These brave people exemplify all that is good about sport and the human spirit.

"Sport is an amazing link for a lot of children, and finding a way to cope with a severe disability."

With over 40,000 participants, and 170 local projects, Every Player Counts is delivered through 47 Football League Trust community schemes.