England Football, The Football’s Association’s national team sub-brand, rolled out a new episode in its ongoing ‘This Is Football’ series starring England Cerebral Palsy star Liam Irons and young grassroots player Dylan to champion the 2022 IFCPF Cerebral Palsy World Cup (which is taking part in Barcelona between 27 April and 16 May).
The spot sees Irons details his footballing journey: from feeling frustrated about his disability to feeling empowered and accepted through playing CP football. “Football doesn’t have to seem scary or stay as a dream. But it can be a reality that leaves you feeling empowered in your body,” said Liam Irons in the spot.
Created in collaboration with Football Beyond Borders’ ‘Youth Beyond Borders’ and with PR handled by MatchFit, the spot was directed by Esme Moore (who also has cerebral palsy and used her own experiences to creatively bring to life a film that aims to improve and raise awareness of disability football in England).
The film, along with other episodes in the series, can be viewed here on the initiative’s web page and it was also promoted across social media platforms and at EnglandFootball.com and @EnglandFootball.
When you step onto the pitch with a group of people like you, and for the first time you feel a sense of relief.
Football is for everyone.
This is football. #TakeYourChance | @_liamirons pic.twitter.com/vsdCerpPXD
— England Football (@EnglandFootball) April 27, 2022
“I’m honoured to have my story told as shining a light on disability football is so important,” added Liam Irons. “I know what it’s like to feel like your disability can stop you from doing the things you love, but I’m also proof that finding your pathway and your passion can change your whole life. I would urge anyone with a disability to look into getting involved with a grassroots side. The sense of belonging and community you’ll find is like no other.”
“Having a disability shouldn’t stop you from doing any of the things you love – and that includes football,” added Youth Beyond Borders Director Kelvyn Quagraine. “We’re honoured to be working with England Football on the This Is Football series and to have the opportunity to tell the stories of these inspiring and incredible players. Our methodology champions youth and connects talented creatives to stories they feel represented by. We are so proud of Dylan, and the work Esmé has done for this piece of content.”
Comment
The ‘This Is Football’ series chronicles journeys from grassroots soccer to the elite game and aims to celebrate and inspiring participation in the sport.
Future episodes will feature senior England Men, Women and Para players and will roll out through what is a landmark year for England Football with several major tournaments including UEFA’s Women’s Euro 2022, plus the Men’s UEFA Nations League fixtures, The FA Disability Cup and the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
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