A teenager who trains a Championship football side’s cerebral palsy team says he’s “still in disbelief” after winning coach of the year.
Casey Young, from Crewkerne, Somerset, has cerebral palsy and coaches anyone aged five and over at Bristol City Cerebral Palsy FC twice a week as a volunteer.
He joined 11 other award winners who formed a guard of honour at the Community Shield match between Arsenal and Manchester City ahead of kick-off on Sunday.
The 19-year-old said: “I still think I’m in shock now. Just the nomination I was really excited about. When I found out I had won, I’ve been in disbelief since.”
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According to the NHS, cerebral palsy is the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and co-ordination.
He travels an hour each way, twice a week, to coach the teams based in Brislington, Bristol, and has never missed a session despite having to undergo major surgeries.
Young was one of 12 awarded coach of the year in the disability pathway at the FA Grassroots Football Awards in May, out of more than 12,000 nominations, and was officially awarded the prize on Sunday.
Casey said: “When I got this award I was just shocked and excited. I’m just so honoured to be in that list.
“The football is the excuse, it’s more the fact we’re a community where we’ll be your friend.
“We share the same struggles and the same success stories. It’s the family and the community that keeps me going every week.”
Casey was one of 12 award winners who lined up on the pitch at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on Sunday ahead of the Community Shield match, in which Premier League champions Arsenal went on to beat Manchester City 3-0.
Beforehand, he was awarded his prize by football commentator and former Arsenal player Paul Merson, and BBC television and sports presenter Mark Chapman.
Speaking after the game Casey, who is an Arsenal fan, said: “It was a moment I’ll remember forever. The noise, the three trophies, all right in front of me, and all my favourite players walking past me.”
He added: “Receiving my award from Paul Merson was the proudest moment of my life, everyone made it so special.”
Dad Bob Young said Casey has always known he wanted to be a coach and help other children with cerebral palsy.
“He wants to help them improve their lives, confidence, and their understanding of the football game itself.
“Sometimes you won’t be the best footballer on the pitch, but you can still go out there with confidence, pride and respect.
“He teaches all of those values,” Bob added.
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