Young people from across England and Wales came together this summer to showcase inclusion, resilience and opportunity at three Disability Football Festivals run by the Premier League.
Hosted by Everton, West Bromwich Albion and Arsenal, the Premier League Disability Football Festivals brought together players from disability programmes run by more than 65 professional football clubs in Under-11-mixed and 14-16-year-old-mixed age group activities.
As well as the action on the pitch, there were also a variety of activities and workshops designed to support their physical and mental wellbeing.
Arsenal's event, held at their Hale End Academy, celebrated the 40th anniversary of Arsenal in the Community, set up in 1985 to positively impact the lives of young people. The team now delivers sport, social and education programmes to over 5,000 individuals each week.
One of the players taking part was Tate from Chelsea FC Foundation. He has a condition that causes significant leg weakness, requiring him to use crutches for walking and splints for extra support while playing football.
"Even though I've only been at Chelsea for about a month, I can already feel I'm improving, my balance is better, my dribbling's better," he said.
"Whatever disability you have, whatever pulls you back, you just have to go forward. That's how you build confidence."
Watching the matches and lending their support were Paralympics GB Wheelchair basketball athlete Simon Brown and Arsenal Academy manager and former club captain Per Mertesacker
"When you see the circumstances, these young people have come from, and how they've overcome challenges just to get here, it's worth celebrating," Mertesacker said. "The energy is the same whoever’s on the pitch.
"That's the beauty of sport, sharing the love of the game. And here, everybody's invited."
More than 750 participants took part in the three festivals, highlighting the Premier League's year-round commitment to providing access to football for everyone.
At West Bromwich Albion, 24 teams from across the football pyramid in the West Midlands travelled to the club's Academy Dome for their competition.
Ethan from the Albion Foundation is deaf in both ears and wears a cochlear implant.
"Playing football has helped me improve a lot," he said. "Even though I've got a disability I know I can still play.
"Being at the festival feels like a once in a lifetime experience because I've always wanted to represent a club. It's a great source of pride to be able to wear the West Brom kit. I feel like I'm part of a community."
The three pan-disability football festivals, delivered by club charities in partnership with the Premier League Charitable Fund, provided tailored opportunities for players to develop their skills and confidence in a supportive environment, while catering for those who are neurodivergent and have sensory or physical disabilities.
At Everton, Gracie was one of the participants in the team representing Middlesbrough FC Foundation.
"Being here is incredible," she said. "It's such a good experience to play against different teams. It's good to represent Boro. They are kind and respectful to us all.
"I have ADHD and autism and playing football releases stress.
"A tournament like this is so important because anyone with a disability should have the chance to play football or any other sports. Everyone deserves to do what they want to do. Opportunities should be fair."
The Premier League Disability Football Festivals were a celebration of how the Premier League's community programmes - Premier League Kicks, Premier League Inspires and Premier League Primary Stars - connect young people aged from five to 18 with football, providing positive opportunities to help them reach their potential.
"The Premier League Disability Football Festivals showcase the power of football to bring people together and create inclusive opportunities for all," said Premier League Chief Policy and Social Impact Officer, Clare Sumner.
"These events give young people the chance to grow their skills, build confidence and connect with others from clubs across England and Wales. More than just a day of football, the festivals help break down barriers and inspire the next generation to believe in their potential, both on and off the pitch."
About the Premier League Charitable Fund
The Premier League Charitable Fund was established in 2010 to distribute funding provided by the Premier League and its partners to professional football club charities across England and Wales, supporting them in their delivery in thousands of community venues and schools across the country. A total of 106 club charities are supported across the Premier League, English Football League and National League.
Support for community provision through the Premier League Charitable Fund more than tripled in 10 years, with the Premier League now investing over £35m per year into community activity and programmes. More than £325m has been invested to-date, with approximately 2.5m participants taking part in programmes funded by the Premier League via the Premier League Charitable Fund over the last 14 years.