Cerebral Palsy North-West scoop 1st place at the FA Disability Cup
In their first season, Cerebral Palsy North West completed a ‘CP treble’ on Saturday 15th July, claiming the FA Disability Cup title at St. George’s Park. The win comes after winning other titles the CP Sport National league title and the National Cup.
CP North West were victorious at the tournament, winning 8-1 against 2018 winners NE & Yorkshire CP squad. They played in the CP impairment-specific final alongside the 4 other impairment finals which took place across the weekend.
Head Coach Lee Burke explained: “It’s been a tremendous effort from all the players in their first season together. The FA Disability Cup was a brilliant day & the players really gave an outstanding performance. After such a successful season we are determined to raise our standard again for next season and continue to help support and enhance the delivery of CP football in the North West”.
Goals came from local player, Riley Desouza from Salford, who scored a hat-trick with the other goals coming via A ‘man of match’ performance from England CP star George Fletcher. Player Manager Jaime Pratt from Stockport made sure no errors at the back cost CP North West the win.
Steven Edwards, Football Development Officer for Disability, added: “CP North West have had a fantastic season, and winning the FA Disability Cup for Cerebral Palsy football was the icing on the cake! Disability football in Manchester is growing week by week and we are delighted with the accolades local teams are receiving; it is truly deserved”.
The Football Association have released an inspiring new film to celebrate disability football following the 2019 FA Disability Cup. The film shines a spotlight on five grassroots disability footballers telling the story of their own individual journey into the game, from those seeking a competitive environment in which to play the game to others simply finding fun, sociable ways of keeping active.
Their stories have been shared to encourage anybody with a disability to give football a try, whether they are an elite sportsperson looking to compete in the structured game or a complete newcomer exploring new ways to be active. It is part of The FA’s continued drive to improve equality, diversity and inclusion across English football at all levels through its In Pursuit of Progress plan. You can view the video, here.
Paul Elliott, Chair of The FA’s Inclusion Advisory Board, said: "This film is a great way of celebrating disability football by demonstrating the impact the game is having on the lives of those people who already play. By telling these stories, we hope to raise awareness of the opportunities that exist for all within grassroots disability football."
To find out how to get involved in disability football in Greater Manchester please contact Steven Edwards for more information.