A WALTHAM Forest sports project for mentally ill adults has been shortlisted for a London Legacy award through Beyond Sport.

Coping Through Football, which is based at the Score Centre, Leyton and Peter May Sports Centre, Walthamstow, is one of five projects up for an award, as well as £60,000 of funding.

A spokeswoman for Coping Through Football said: “It's run through London Playing Fields Foundation, the Leyton Orient Community Sports Project and the North East London Foundation Trust.

“It's for mentally ill adults aged 18 to 40 and uses football as a means of aiding recovery.”

The project has helped participants to return to full time work and education, as well as helping some to become level 2 qualified coaches, she added.

“There's a £60,000 prize over three years,” the spokeswoman said.

“This would make a massive difference to the project.”

Coping Through Football was founded in 2007 and runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information, visit the Coping Through Football website.

Beyond Sport is an initiative championed by former prime minister Tony Blair, supporting individuals and groups who aim to make positive change through sport.

A public vote is to take place to decide the overall winner. To vote for a project, visit the Beyond Sport website.