A BRAMPTON secondary school has said that it is 'very proud' of one of its former students who is championing accessibility and comfort for football fans with autism.

Ross Mattinson was a student at William Howard School between 2012 and 2017 and recently took up the role of lead representative for supporters with autism at his beloved Carlisle United, the team he has followed up and down the country for the majority of his life.

This position fits into Ross' wider ethos which has also seen him volunteer in an inclusivity role at Carlisle Youth Zone, with this outlook on accessibility being informed by his experiences growing up as a lover of sports with autism. 

Ross recently shared his mission to make local sports more inclusive and in response, his former secondary school expressed their pride in his achievements and future goals

William Howard School's headteacher said: "Ross was a student who always brightened up the corridors at William Howard and worked hard to achieve his very best.

"We are very proud to see how he has continued to be the best version of himself and think not just of himself but of others."

Ross was also heavily involved in sports during his time at William Howard School and his former teacher, and current curriculum leader of PE Richard Green shared his fond memories of teaching Ross and expressed how it was no surprise that Ross has gone on to champion accessibility in local sports.

He said: "When at school, Ross was a committed, enthusiastic student. He loves football and at all opportunities wanted to be involved in the sport.

"He represented the school as a player and manager seeing his team through to the school's city cup finals."

"We are really proud to have taught Ross and see him being so successful in sport, following his dreams."