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A Swansea mum thought she was attending a breakfast event at the Liberty Stadium when all of a sudden she was live on morning television.

Andrea Smith was nominated by her friend Lee Watkins for ITV breakfast programme Lorraine's inspirational woman award for her work at a specialist autism academy at Cwm Wanderers AFC.

The club currently has 26 youngsters on its books, but has hopes for many more.

Mrs Smith was walked down the Liberty Stadium tunnel oblivious of a crowd of people outside the doors ready to congratulate her.

"Being nominated for the award was a total shock and surprise," said Mrs Smith.

"I didn't know it was going to be happening - I was meant to be going to a breakfast event with the Trust.

"Children from the academy as well as EE staff and Lee Trundle, representing the Trust, were there. I'm really proud and privileged to be part of such an amazing experience."

(Image: Andrea Smith)

(Image: ITV)

She said the children came weekly for football training, where they provided them with specialist coaching and then a youth club directly after.

"It's a fun and engaging environment to help with their communication and socialising skills. We work hard to raise awareness of autism.

"We have partnerships with the Swansea City Community Trust and with mobile giant EE - both help with the team's funding and sponsorship. They have given children the opportunities to go to matches that they wouldn't normally get to.

"I set it up as my eldest son has autism - he asked if he could join the mainstream Cwm Wanderers club, but I knew he would struggle with communication and having people shouting at him.

"He spends a lot of time in his room - as a lot of young people with autism do - so it was something to get him out and active."

She said the players in the team were all from the south Wales area - some came down from Mumbles, and others from Neath Port Talbot, Ystradgynlais and Glynneath.

"There are 26 children in the academy altogether. We want to double the size of the academy this year, and are hoping to raise funds for a 4G pitch, as we're having trouble training at the moment when the weather's bad.

"They went to West Brom last year, representing Swansea City, and played on the pitch at half-time. They've got a tournament at Watford later this month against other disability football teams."

The team's links with Swansea City came about after they caught the club's eye with their inclusion work.

(Image: Andrea Smith) (Image: Andrea Smith)

"We originally did a work project through BT Sport - they do an inclusion project that Swansea City are involved in. The Swans approached us and asked if they could get involved. They've been fantastic for us."

Mrs Smith will now go to London on Sunday night ahead of appearing on Lorraine again on Monday.

Three finalists will contest the award, with the results likely to be announced on Tuesday.