A GRASSROOTS football club continues to pride itself on being a club open to all whilst being a 'vehicle' to support worthwhile causes.

From juniors playing in under-7s teams to a veteran team of over 35s, UniSun Athletic FC, based at Harraby, offers a welcoming environment for football enthusiasts in Carlisle.

Club chairman and first-team coach Jonathan Knott said: "We started as a university team.

"We were looking to be available to people new to the area, for those who didn't know where to get started in playing football here.

"I'm not from Carlisle originally, and when I moved over in 2004, it was because of football I made all my friends in the area," Jonathan said. 

READ MORE: Goal of getting life-saving defibrillators pitchside

Their commitment is not just on the pitch however, by partnering with organisations like MIND and Andy's Man Club, UniSun Social FC, one of their Sunday teams aims to break the stigma surrounding men's mental health, providing a platform for open conversations and support as well as a love for the game. 

UniSun also encourages young female athletes to pursue their passion for football, exemplified by their two girls' teams known as Carlisle Lionesses - who are now partnered with the charity, Jigsaw. 

As well as raising awareness of Red Sky Foundation, the group's main charity sponsor is the Lorraine Hough Diabetes Fund, set up in the name of the club secretary's late wife. 

"As a club, we're trying to be a vehicle for as many worthwhile causes as we can. We want to do more, we're not by any stretch a big club but we're trying to do the right things. 

"Anybody who needs football we'll always welcome.

"It's a culture we're setting around the team where we're making our message at the forefront - if you want to play football or need someone to talk to, this is the perfect place for you," Jonathan said. 

Jonathan described the club as a bit of a 'United Nations' when it comes to the players, having recently also welcomed an Iranian refugee to the squad. 

"Carlisle can sometimes be a bit isolated and in the past, we've not been the most multi-cultural place,  but as the movement of people into the city continues to grow pace, football is for everyone - we want to be that place where anyone can come and play," he said. 

You can find more details about UniSun on Facebook.