The coronavirus pandemic has caused CP Sport to cancel all its in-person events since March 12 last year and turn to online to connect with cerebral palsy sufferers.

Social cafes, an equipment rental service and a virtual challenge series have also been held online to help people stay active at home.

According to research carried out by Activity Alliance, disabled people have been disproportionately affected by coronavirus, with specific groups advised to shield when restrictions were imposed.

It was found that twice as many disabled people felt that coronavirus "greatly reduced their ability to do sport or physical activity" compared to non-disabled people, frequently resulting in physical and mental health being harder to manage.

CP Sport claims it is "vital" that opportunities to get active safely are available particularly for disabled people who are "more likely to experience barriers to sport and activity".

"Our new club finder will be a fantastic tool for us to connect as many people as we can to the local clubs and activities up and running in their area," said Adi Fawcett, chief operating officer for CP Sport.

"Our aspiration is to provide a wide variety of choice for all ages that are easily accessible.

"We hope that with the easing of restrictions and return to sport that we can not only help our community to keep and stay active but also support the clubs who will be starting their return to sport."

In 2020, CP Sport began its mission to create a national club finder which could be used and be accessible to everyone through a postcode search.

Almost 500 clubs have signed up to be part of the club finder and more are expected to join as clubs open up and staff and volunteers return to the sector.

CP Sport said it was working with clubs and national governing bodies (NGB) and have ensured the clubs included on the new platform meet the necessary criteria to support people with cerebral palsy, as well as bringing the community together.

"This agreement between CP Sport and the clubs demonstrates that the clubs are committed to developing and promoting inclusive opportunities for people with CP to access in a safe, inclusive and positive environment meeting specific requirements set out by CP Sport including affiliation with an NGB where applicable, safeguarding and qualified coaches, and accessibility for disabled people," a statement from CP Sport read.

"It is free for clubs to be part of the CP Sport club finder and is free for anyone to access and use it to find clubs.

"The club finder will allow anyone to locate and then contact their nearest sports club through a simple postcode search."