Story added: 2nd December 2022

Ben's Story

Ben has been with the Foundation for 11 years and in that time has developed from a budding footballer to an aspiring coach.

We asked Ben a few questions about his journey with the charity, and where he sees himself going forward.

What have you learned from your 11 years with the Foundation, both on the pitch and off it?

“When I was a toddler all I wanted to do every minute of every day was play football, but always doubted myself because of my disability. I wanted to play as part of a team but couldn’t because of my cerebral palsy. I couldn’t move very quickly and was falling over a lot. I didn’t have the confidence to play football with other kids my age, so I just used to play with my dad and uncles.

When I joined the Community Sports Foundation I started to realise that I could be a footballer. My legs became stronger and so did my determination. Playing with other boys and girls who had disabilities was even better as I no longer felt different and felt that I could be as good as anyone else.”

What impact has working with Owen [Foundation coach] had on you?

“Owen [Woodrow] has supported me in so many ways, coaching me one-to-one throughout the summer to help me become a better goalkeeper and pushing me through the barriers to make me stronger and help me to improve technically.

He also supported me in my transition between the U16 team to the adult group, introducing me to new teammates, making me feel a part of the team and giving me confidence that I could do well and not doubt myself. He has also inspired me to follow my dreams and have a career in football coaching.”

What have you learned from your volunteering, and how has this affected your future ambitions?

Going forward, I would like to give back what I have learned from coaches over the last 11 years to other children. From learning about themselves, being positive, supportive, trusting, focused, and patient, working as a team, having fun and enjoying any kind of sport, no matter who you are!”

It has been so encouraging to see Ben develop through our player pathways and reach the stage where is able to represent our Cerebral Palsy national team. He is showing great maturity levels and has started coaching voluntarily with our Development Centre U16’s.

Disability Development Manager, Darren Hunter, said:

“It has been so encouraging to see Ben develop through our player pathways and reach the stage where is able to represent our Cerebral Palsy national team.

“He is showing great maturity levels and has started coaching voluntarily with our Development Centre U16’s.”