A 19-year-old from Somerset has expressed shock after receiving a prestigious coaching award at a high-profile football match. Casey Young, who works as a volunteer coach at Bristol City Cerebral Palsy FC, was named among the disability pathway coach of the year recipients at the FA Grassroots Football Awards. His recognition came from a pool of over 12,000 nominations, with only 12 coaches selected for the honor.
Young, who himself has cerebral palsy, dedicates significant time to his role, traveling an hour each way twice weekly to coach players aged five and older. Despite undergoing major surgical procedures, he has maintained perfect attendance throughout his coaching tenure. He emphasized that his focus extends beyond football technique, describing his program as a supportive community where participants share experiences and build confidence together.
The award was formally presented during the Community Shield match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Sunday. Young was recognized on the pitch alongside 11 other award recipients and received his accolade from former Arsenal player Paul Merson and BBC presenter Mark Chapman. Young, an Arsenal supporter, described the experience as unforgettable, noting the atmosphere and proximity to his favorite players.
Young’s father, Bob Young, noted that his son has always aspired to coach and support other young people with cerebral palsy. He emphasized that Casey promotes values including confidence, pride, and respect alongside athletic development, helping participants understand that success encompasses more than sporting ability alone.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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