At this year's Grassroots football Awards, Bob Young won Coach of the Year for the Disability Pathway.

Read a few words from Bob below and take a look at his winner's video. If your club is interested in the disability pathway, head to this page for more info.

I created the Cerebral Palsy football club for Casey, my son. I wanted him to play the game he loves so much, but on a level playing field, alongside other children that also have CP.  In 3 seasons we have grown from 6 - 36 players and this is partly due to the need of CP specific football within the southwest; but also because of the parents desire to get involved and help build the supportive community we have become. 

I drive the car and everyone else helps me steer, so the award is for everyone who has donated or helped this club thrive and provide essential support for parents and children. I am so honoured to receive it.

We recently returned from a 3 day international CP festival in Copenhagen, where we played teams from Denmark, Norway and Ireland and our senior team won every match.

Next year BCCP is hosting the 3 day CP specific festival at Imperial Sports in Bristol. This will involve the countries previously mentioned and it will be the largest 3 day CP football festival in the U.K 

We are currently looking for sponsors and all the families are working on fundraising events to ensure the festival happens. The confidence it has given our players is incredible to see and all the other countries are noticing this within their teams, proving how important football can be if you get it right. 

My advice is always get involved, don’t interfere with the coaches, allow them to guide your child and help them wherever possible. Get a DBS certification, become a first aider, join the committee and share the positives on social media.

We don't just encourage players to score goals, we also encourage them to achieve goals.

Whilst always providing a safe and positive environment.