'Cerebral Palsy has never held me back'

I was born with Cerebral Palsy – a condition that has never stopped me from achieving my dreams.

I represented West Bromwich Albion Cerebral Palsy football team – that team is part of the England pathway – and trained with them weekly. One afternoon, I turned up to training and England CP international Harry Baker was there coaching us, so that was brilliant for me to see how the pathway works and see an England international coaching us. It’s an experience that has lived with me for a long time.

I’m now living my dream as an International Federation of Cerebral Palsy football commentator, reporting from Loughborough University, the hosts of the IFCPF EUROs.

My journey with the Para Lions began in 2018. I was invited to St George’s Park, where I had the opportunity to interview Harry Baker – my first ever interview – as well as former captain and now England coach Jack Rutter, along with former player Martin Sinclair.

That moment with Harry Baker gave me a profound sense of pride and purpose. I realised these players weren’t just athletes, they were my role models. They were in the sport for the same reason I was: to prove their ability on the world stage and challenge perceptions.

The introduction to Cerebral Palsy football ignited a challenge in my head – that challenge was to increase the representation of the game and ensure there is consistent coverage across the world.
It was a pinch myself moment when I was able to have Jack Rutter attend our sports awards evening at my secondary school. Jack presented a talk and handed out awards to the students.

This was special to me because it brought new eyes to the England team and highlighted the challenges and sacrifices every member of this team make, to represent their country at the highest level.

I am fortunate that I have the privilege to be at my second tournament for the IFCPF, having made my debut at the 2024 Salou World Cup. Fast forward to 2025, and I have co-commentated England games at the 2024 World Cup and covered live action at the IFCPF EUROs.

I captured the moment Harry Baker scored against Spain that sent Andy Smith’s men into the semi-finals. It was a full-circle moment – the person that gave me the opportunity was scoring whilst I was documenting the history unfold.

The journey has always been more than commentary, it has been about grasping every opportunity possible to promote the CP football game, the Para Lions and every player and coach or IFCPF official that has trusted me to tell their stories.

Cerebral Palsy has never held me back – it has made me the storyteller I have become. CP football is changing lives, and this is just the beginning. Through every interview, goal, message of support or full-time whistle, CP football grows and shows every dream is worth chasing.

The experiences that I have had with this team has shaped the person I am today and helped me through the toughest times with my Cerebral Palsy. When times were tough, the Para Lions were there for me, sending messages of encouragement and support whilst in hospital.

That is the impact. We have seen the legacy that Cerebral Palsy football is creating, from growing numbers in support, to young fans playing with their idols at full-time.

The Para Lions have given me the opportunity to believe in myself and have shown me to never let Cerebral Palsy hold me back.