A few years ago I was involved in youth leadership within football as someone living with cerebral palsy, who uses a wheelchair to navigate everyday life.
Those of you reading this right now may remember that I led the Herefordshire Football Association’s (HFA) youth council along with the Football vs Homophobia (FVH) youth panel, during the Covid19 pandemic.
Throughout the time I was given the opportunity to interview Harry Baker who lives with the condition (Cerebral Palsy) and plays football for England about all things CP and Football.
My interview with Harry took place during the 2021 FVH Month of Action online in the February of 2021.
Meanwhile the HFA youth council decided to produce a podcast series called “ Listen in with the youth council” which involved members of the group and young people within football from across the country.
Our podcast series saw participants discuss issues surrounding Gender and Discrimination, Disability, Sexuality and Mental Health.
An episode looking at the impact of Hate Crime on those from minority groups like the LGBTQIA+ and disabled communities was recorded but never aired.
This episode saw members talk about incidents where they have been subjected to untold abuse because of their disabilities or sexual orientation.
Jack Rutter who is now the Head Coach of the England CP (Cerebral Palsy) football team was the special guest for the episode along with members of the then FVH youth panel.
During the episode I recalled the moment on December the 5th 2019 whilst wheeling home from a night out in my home town when I wheeled past a group of people who could only be described as teenagers.
One of the group for some unknown reason decided to say clearly and I quote “ you alright C****le”.
The incident was over within a matter of seconds and then reported to the police a few days later, however two possible suspects were identified through CCTV but no further action could be taken due to them denying that anything had been said.
Unfortunately incidents like these still continue to happen and will do so for many years to come.
My message to any individual who thinks it is acceptable to abuse anyone human being for just being themselves is this, as my granny would say “ if you haven’t got anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all”.
Just think before you speak, it is that simple and always will be.
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It is only right that I take this opportunity to thank Harry (Baker) and Jack (Rutter) for their support with my youth leadership work within the beautiful game of football.
Your support with this did not go unnoticed and was very much appreciated and always will be.
Finally, thank you to each and everyone of you my regular loyal readers and social media followers who continually take the time out of your busy schedules to read my latest posts, it does not go unnoticed and is of course very much appreciated and always will be.
Cam
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