Today marks World Cerebral Palsy Day which is a day of celebration for people with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and all of their families along with the organisations that continue to support them.

People all around the world have had to adapt to big changes created by the coronavirus pandemic, yet people with Cerebral Palsy have to deal with change, breaking down barriers, and coming up with solutions throughout their entire life.

The Leeds United Foundation have been working with youngsters suffering with Cerebral Palsy for over two years, delivering weekly football sessions to help ensure that they have the same rights, access and opportunities as anyone else in the local community.

In August 2018 a physiotherapist from the NHS got in touch with Leeds United to discuss creating a special partnership which would involve holding regular football sessions for framed users and youngsters living with CP and the programme has gone from strength to strength.

There are currently 12 full-time members of the CP football team, including both boys and girls, with a number of those now playing competitively in the West Riding Ability Counts League.

During the sessions, the FA qualified coaches at the Foundation help the children to improve their footballing ability with various training drills and small games, whilst also supporting them with developing a number of social skills, including; teamwork, leadership, motivation and self-confidence, among others.

If you would like more information on the CP football sessions or any of the disability programmes delivered by the Leeds United Foundation, please contact Anthony.Hall@leedsunited.com.