Leeds United Foundation participant Lewis received the Special Recognition Award at this year’s Supporting Our City Awards.

Living with dystonic cerebral palsy, Lewis has demonstrated remarkable determination and passion through powerchair football and Foundation school sessions, where his impressive skills and understanding of the game continue to shine.

Ahead of the ceremony, Lewis was invited to Thorp Arch, where Simon Wood, head of health and wellbeing at the Foundation, welcomed him to our training ground.

As Lewis and Simon sat down in one of the changing rooms to discuss his journey so far, first-team duo Ilia Gruev and Sean Longstaff made a surprise appearance to meet the powerchair footballer.

Following introductions, Foundation Ambassador Gruev revealed that Lewis would be receiving the Foundation’s Special Recognition Award at the upcoming Supporting Our City Awards. Lewis and his family were then given a tour of the facilities by the players.

Lewis was delighted by the experience, admitting he never expected to receive such a special welcome during his visit to Thorp Arch.

“It was a real surprise to meet Ilia Gruev and Sean Longstaff at our training ground,” he said. “I never thought when I visited the training ground I would be given an award and get to meet two amazing footballers.

“The work that Simon and the Foundation do is so important to me and others like me.”

Gruev later presented Lewis with his award at the Supporting Our City Awards evening, recognising his positive influence on fellow participants and the inspiration he provides through his passion for football.

Speaking about the importance of the club’s community work after the ceremony, Gruev said: “I think it’s also really nice and cool from Leeds United to use the power of the club to help people. We also really love to do these things, and it’s a pleasure for us.”