Children with learning difficulties kickstarted the countdown to the London 2012 Paralympics with a soccer skills session in Oxfordshire.

More than 80 pupils from five special schools took part in the festival of football at Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre.

The event marked the handover of the Paralympics from China to Britain at a ceremony in Beijing, and saw boys and girls aged 11 to 14 coached by players from Oxford United's football academy.

Representatives from the Oxfordshire FA and Oxford City and Henley YMCA disabled teams were also on hand to offer tips.

Oxfordshire FA football development officer Owain Prosser said: "Everyone had a good time and we have noticed a lot of promising football talent today.

"I think a lot of kids will have been inspired by the Paralympics recently. These kids will have seen everything is exactly the same as the mainstream games in terms of the emotions involved and the sacrifices made."

Children with behavioural difficulties and learning disabilities from Mabel Pritchard, Northfield, Iffley Mead, Bardwell and Kingfisher schools were among those who enjoyed practice sessions in shooting, free kicks, dribbling, keep-ups and five-a-side. The children posed proudly with flags for the 2012 Paralympic games before honing their skills on Wednesday.

Mr Prosser said: "We got a great response from the kids and good feedback from the teachers.

"There's a lot of good work done in schools but not a lot of people know what's available to them outside school.

"A lot of these kids won't be eligible for Paralympic football teams due to the nature of their disability but it could mean they are spotted and picked up for other sports for 2012."

He added: "If this can inspire people to get involved in the 2012 Paralympics as a participant, coach or as a helper then that's fantastic."

Kam Raval, sports development officer at Oxford City Council, said: "It was a very successful day.

"We're grateful to the Oxfordshire FA for co-ordinating this event and hopefully it will encourage more children to take up football."