The 1066 Specials Football Club was formed in the Spring of 2003 to give children and adults with special needs and disabilities the opportunity to play football and receive coaching.

The club was the brainchild of Harold Lawrence after being influenced by his nephew Martin Forsdyke, who plays for Brighton and Hove Albion's "Seagull Specials" team for special needs youngsters. Support to his idea was given by the Bexhill Rotary Club and Rother District Council's Sports Development Officer, Adrian Gaylon.

Since the club was formed it has grown steadily in size and stature. Great emphasis has been placed on developing club standards and procedures to ensure the long-term viability of the club:

• The 1066 Specials achieved Charitable Status in April 2007.
• In early 2007 The Specials was awarded Football Association Charter Standard Club status
• The Specials was also awarded Sussex Sports Partnership Approved Club status in 2006, the first club to do so in Sussex.
• The Rother Safe Sport Initiative Certificate of Achievement was awarded in 2006.
• The club has a team competing in the Kent Pan Disability League of 2006/7 and was also invited to play in their Champions Cup.

The club provides regular coaching sessions under the direction of qualified FA coaches assisted by the club's volunteer coaches. There are three groups within the club catering for children aged under 11 years, 11 to under 16 years and seniors of 16 plus years. Any young persons with special needs from the Rother, Hastings and Eastbourne areas are welcome to join the club. All coaching sessions are geared towards the requirements of people with disabilities and special needs and themed to give an interesting and stimulating experience to the participants as well as valuable exercise in improving co-ordination and skill.

Attention is taken to provide for a wide range of abilities allowing everyone to have FUN! The club is proud of the friendly atmosphere in which to enjoy sport, mix with others and develop social skills.