Leeds United were lucky to invite young supporter Ella to Thorp Arch recently to meet some of her favourite players and get an exclusive look at some of the facilities with captain Ethan Ampadu.
Nine-year-old Ella is a talented footballer herself, having played for local sides Rothwell Juniors FC and Wakefield Juniors FC Boys Under-10s team, as well as being involved in the Leeds United Foundation’s Girls Shadow Squad, after successfully completing a trial through the Women and Girls Pathway.
At the start of the 2025/26 season, Ella and her family were given the heartbreaking news that she had cancer, and she continues to fight everyday whilst remaining as strong as possible, acting as an inspiration to everyone around her.
Having previously spent time with the Leeds United Women’s team, building a special friendship with Paige Williams and being a mascot for them at the very ground her mum helps out at in Garforth, the youngsters true dream was to meet Ethan Ampadu or Lionel Messi… and luckily the club were able to help with one of those wishes.
Ella was able to chat and laugh with the Wales international at her recent training ground visit, with Ampadu also giving her a personalised shirt that she could get signed whilst meeting the rest of the first-team players, including some other family favourites, Willy Gnonto and Illan Meslier.
Abigail Lee, Head of the Women and Girls programmes at the club’s official charity, spoke highly of Ella after seeing first hand how quickly she settled into the football environment becoming a valued member of their group, she said: “Throughout Ella’s time with the Girls Shadow Squad, she showed such dedication, impressing coaches and staff with her attitude both on and off the pitch.
“Ella is an inspiration to her teammates and all of the staff, and we couldn’t be prouder to support her, everyone at the Leeds United Foundation and the club are behind her every step of the way!”
Everyone at Leeds United would like to commend Ella for her bravery, she really is an inspiration to us all and we couldn’t be prouder of the role she plays within our club.
