The Leeds United Foundation were delighted to welcome three youngsters from the charity’s disability programme to Thorp Arch recently to meet up with some of their football heroes.

Captain Ethan Ampadu, Willy Gnonto and Ilia Gruev were all on hand at the training ground to meet with Chas, Primrose and Ellis, along with their parents, to learn more about their love for football, their progression through the club’s official charity and the generous support of club partner AMT to the programme.

Simon Wood, who heads up the Health and Wellbeing team at the Foundation, said: “Our disability programme and the work we do throughout Leeds and in the surrounding areas is something we are really proud of at the Foundation. Some of the children we work alongside might not be able to access other provisions and opportunities with grassroots and mainstream teams, so our sessions ensure they feel included, and they have the chance to develop and progress.

”AMT are a really big backer of ours and their support allows us to do lots of different things with our disability programme, but just being able to offer the programme out to as many people as we can and help remove those barriers is so important.

"This has been such a good experience for these three kids today that were picked out of a draw, and it will become a really special memory for them and their parents, but this work is also just something we continue to be really proud of as a club.”

Gina McGawley, Commercial Director at AMT Auto, added: “AMT is the vehicle sponsor for Leeds United, and we are really passionate about the Foundation as well, so we’re always really keen to do things within the community.

“We sponsored the kit last season (for the disability programme) and just being able to continue that support this year is something we are really proud of. Speaking to some of the parents last year, and hearing about the impact this programme has had on the individual participants and their families, was really special. The fact that they feel included by just being able to take part, and how beneficial that is for the kids.”

During their trip to Thorp Arch, Wales international Ampadu asked the three children if they’d like to take part in a 3v3 match, giving the young people a once in a lifetime experience that they will remember forever, coinciding perfectly with the end of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month takes place throughout March and is focused on promoting the varied and unique experiences of individuals with developmental disabilities and it is a time to celebrate their achievements, advocate for their rights, and promote understanding and inclusivity within society.

If you would like any further information around our various disability initiatives, please contact [email protected].