The Tavi Specials receive their giant football on Sunday for fun training sessions at Crowndale from the Son-Rise Cup committee.

Allan Lewis, a spokesman for the team, said: 'The ball, which is seven feet tall, is a great way to have fun and relax players putting a smile on football's face.

'The group had lots of fun pushing the ball around on the all weather pitches at Tavistock Community Sports centre and children with special needs joined in who don't normally take part which is why ideas like these are so important.'

While the giant ball was being bustled around the pitch the Tavi Specials adult side took on Princetown FC's much improved men's side.

Played in the right spirit the match was a huge success and everyone enjoyed the game. A player who wore a Tavi Specials shirt for the first time was Mark Ralph. The 46 year-old from Tavistock has not played football for 13 years since having a serious motor bike accident which left him severely injured and in a wheelchair.

Mark, who loves football, fought his injuries and due to his efforts has managed to walk again and play table tennis. As a big strong centre half his dream was to play again and Sunday saw him fulfil this dream.

At the end of the match the Princetown lads signed and presented Mark with the match ball to celebrate his personal achievement.

Allan told the Times: 'Once again we have another inspirational story of the courage of another human being. To see Mark Ralph play after what he had been through was wonderful and that is why our little club is so special.

'I would personally like to thank all who helped on Sunday and a special thanks to the Princetown side for giving up their time to make our members so happy, they were a credit to their club!'

n For more information about the Tavi Specials go to http://www.tavispecials.co.uk">www.tavispecials.co.uk