Everton sensation shines light on terrific club for kids with cerebral palsy
George Shaw, a 9-year-old Liverpool boy with cerebral palsy, has become a sensation in recent months. It started when his dad tweeted a video of him playing soccer to Gerard Deulofeu, which led to Shaw getting invited to meet the team, later playing on the Goodison Park pitch and finally winning Everton Goal of the Month.
It has been a wild ride for the inspiring youngster, but that attention has also been a boon to his incredible club, Cerebral Palsy United.
The Liverpool club provides a place for kids aged 3 and up with cerebral palsy to play the sport they love. It's where Shaw plays and with his star growing, he's been able to recruit new kids to the club.
"You could see they were proud of what I've become because most of the fans have been following my story," Shaw said. "A man in work with my dad, his son has cerebral palsy, and he said to my dad, 'Have you seen that boy on the pitch at Goodison?' And my dad said, 'That's my son, George.' Apparently he went into full tears. And now I've encouraged that boy, because hopefully that boy will come to CP United.
"He said he's going to try and get his son here, because his son couldn't get on a team because of having cerebral palsy. But I've helped that boy come here, and hopefully he will progress to become a better person than I am today. So that's a big goal for me."
The club's co-founder and coach Michelle Wilcock explained how the club provides a lot for its players beyond just a place to play soccer.
Playing the sport helps the kids with their agility and motor skills. Wilcock has talked to physios who spoke glowingly about how playing with the club and playing regularly has helped their patients' coordination and balance.
The club is also important to the kids' emotionally and socially.
"Psychologically it's massive just to belong and feel part of something," said Wilcock. "They're not perceived as different here. It's an inclusive environment where they can all be the best they can be."
The club has a Future's Program, which provides a coaching and mentorship aspect to the club. Whether it's players in the program who then help coach the younger players, or even adults who are learning how to coach and mentor, the club has an avenue for everyone to grow and help
"For the little ones to see their coach, their buddy, also has CP and is just like them it's such a role model for those older players. And they're brilliant," Wilcock explained. "Not just for the kids, but the parents."
Shaw has come to be the star of Cerebral Palsy United and is an official ambassador for the club. It's clear why -- he's a remarkable young boy -- but the rest of the club is just as impressive. And things only look to be getting better for everyone involved.
