A KIDDERMINSTER law firm has donated thousands of pounds to a local charity so young adults with Asperger’s Syndrome can continue playing football.

The £2,354 donation from mfg Solicitors will help the Worcestershire-based charity Aspie to cover the costs of hiring minibuses to travel to matches and the all-important pitch hire for their football side, Aspie Avengers.

The money also sees the law firm sponsoring the team’s kit for the next year after they became involved through their office receptionist, Lisa Patel, whose soon Jordan is a member of the charity.

Kirsten Bridgewater, partner and head of mfg’s corporate social responsibility committee, said: “The football team has a hugely positive impact on the wellbeing of the young people who attend Aspie.

“When we found out through Lisa they were looking for a sponsor we didn’t hesitate to help.

“We are all very proud to be able to assist such an important, local charity which helps give young people living with this condition the best possible life. Sport plays such an important role.”

Founded in 2011, Aspie is a social self-help and motivation group for adults with Asperger’s – a form of autism that can cause difficulties in communicating and forming relationships.

It was founded by Sarah Micklewright, diagnosed with Asperger’s, who completed a law degree and became an accountant as well as being a member of MENSA. She died in 2014, aged 38. The charity is now led by her mother, Julia.

She added: “Living with Asperger’s often means it is difficult to find like-minded people to talk to or take part in activities with.

“Enjoying football is something that most people do and take for granted. For someone with Asperger’s it’s a huge step forward because it is about developing those interpersonal skills, teamwork and friendship.

“We are very grateful to mfg Solicitors for their generous support and sponsorship which will make an enormous difference to our members and their families.”