A BRIGHTON and Hove Albion fan who attends a football session for people with autism has raised more than £1,000 for the club’s charity by completing a sponsored silence.

Dan Brooks is a regular at the Albion in the Community sessions, which takes place at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre, and wanted to do something to thank the charity.

The 11-year-old from Newhaven had previously convinced his former school to take part in AITC’s Blue and White Day, and donated some of his pocket money to the charity alongside money he was given as a reward for good behaviour.

He was keen to raise even more and found the perfect challenge: a sponsored silence.

He said: “I wanted to say thank you for finding a way for me to play football.

“I can’t play with non-autistic people as I find it too difficult and confusing.

“The other teams I tried before didn’t understand me and I had to leave.

“The coaches at the AITC session are very helpful and are good at understanding people with autism.

“I’m a lot happier now because I love football and Brighton and Hove Albion.

“I get to play at the same place the players train which is so cool!”

News of Dan’s sponsored silence spread with fellow Albion fans quick to show their support.

His target was £30.

By the time he completed his challenge he had raised more than £1,000.

Staying silent for the entire three hours was certainly challenging for Dan.

He used different techniques to stay focused, including looking at photographs of his Albion hero Maty Ryan for inspiration.

The youngster says Ryan is his role model and the ‘keeper’s kind words to Dan whenever they’ve met have meant the world to him.

He subsequently managed the silence without a single interruption.

His mum Carla Brooks is proud of her son’s achievement and wanted to recommend AITC’s sessions to others.

She said: “The opportunity to play football, learn social skills and spend time in the company of people who are completely accepting of him, has been the best thing we’ve experienced in a long time.

“We can’t thank AITC enough.

“Their support has been second to none.

“It has been life-changing for Dan.”