Leeds skipper Jonny Howson showed budding footballers just how it's done when he stepped in to support the Leeds United Foundation's Ability Counts Football Awareness Day.

The event took place at the Centenary Pavilion at Elland Road football stadium and was delivered by The Leeds United Foundation, in partnership with Ringways Motor Group and Leeds City Council.

Players already involved with the club's Ability Counts programme were invited to attend alongside members of the public, members of the Leeds United Disabled Organisation and pupils from specialist inclusive learning centres across Leeds.

Jonny Howson said: "It was great to see so many people come down and take a look at what the Leeds United Foundation are doing. Events like this give people an opportunity to try new things and get involved, and I think it's important that the Football Club, via the Foundation, can play an active role in the community."

The awareness day gave guests the opportunity to sample the kind of football activities available to people with a disability through The Leeds United Foundation.

More than 150 players and carers took part in a number of football sessions led by Leeds United Foundation coaches and many players have subsequently attended sessions.

Mick Ferguson, Head of Community Affairs at the Leeds United Foundation, said: "The event was a huge success as we gained a lot of interest from the public and new players have already signed up to our Ability Counts programme.

"Myself and James McAulay, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at The Leeds United Foundation, were both very impressed with how well the event went and Jonny enjoyed speaking to players and parents, as well as having a kick around with players."

Over the past 10 years the Leeds United Ability Counts programme has been the largest provider of Disability Football opportunities in Leeds and the surrounding area, working with over 1000 players since 2000. The Leeds United Foundation is now planning to train players up in a Level 1 coaching qualification as part of the course.

Training sessions for the Ability Counts programme take place at Football World on Pontefract Lane and at the Thomas Danby Campus of Leeds City College.

In the past, The Leeds United Foundation has worked with local schools, parent support groups, charities and disability organisations to raise awareness about the opportunities that exist for players with disabilities in Leeds.

• The Leeds United Ability Counts programme is now up and running for the 2011/12 season offering weekly sessions to both adult and junior players. Any one wanting to find out more information should contact the Leeds United Foundation on 0113 367 6307.