Jack Grealish continues to be an absolutely top bloke as, in his latest act of kindness, the Manchester City star has sent a touching social media message to a disabled footballer with cerebral palsy after he received some disappointing news.
The Man City and England midfielder has plenty of understanding when it comes to the challenges people with disabilities can face as his younger sister Hollie is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, so when he heard that aspiring young footballer,Bryan Kilpatrick-Elliott, also has the same condition, he didn’t hesitate to reach out.
16-year-old Bryan, originally from Doncaster, has been playing for cerebral palsy team CP United FC for several years now, helping raise incredible awareness around disability football from a young age.
Big up @JackGrealish offering some kind words to a young footballer after a disappointing setback. ❤️@bryanjunior2006 has cerebral palsy but was sadly told he doesn't qualify for @England's Para football pathway.
Obviously gutted at the International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football‘s decision — which essentially ruled that he wasn’t disabled enough to meet the classification rules — Bryan’s parents have been sharing his story online and the 27-year-old Premier League star didn’t hesitate to offer his kind words.
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In typically wholesome fashion, Grealish simply says, “Keep your head up, mate, keep playing football with a big smile on your face. We all have setbacks in life and stuff we don’t want to hear, but it’s how you react to that. I’ve had plenty in my time.
“Keep up the hard work, mate… I know how much you love football and also the work you’ve been doing in raising awareness for cerebral palsy and disabilities in football, so keep that up. I’m proud of you; keep playing and never give up on your dreams”.
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He isn’t the only one to have reached out and shown their support either: Joel Beya, presenter of Rio Ferdinand‘s FIVE podcast, also heard about Bryan’s knock-back and having been spotlighted by Rio’s Foundation last year, he also joined in offering some words of encouragement.
— Bryan Kilpatrick-Elliott (@bryanjunior2006) August 13, 2023
Bryan hasn’t just been trying to become a footballer like many other kids his age; this remarkable young man has been directly increasing awareness surrounding cerebral palsy in football and disability sports, in general, as well as improving people’s understanding of the condition by giving talks at school and sharing useful resources on social media.
Having represented England’s Para team in smaller tournaments growing up, it was Bryan’s dream to one day go and represent his country in the Paralympic Games, and while it seems the IFCPF have made their decision, he is still dedicated to helping introduce more people to the world of disability sport and supporting others on their journey.
What an incredible young man this is, and he’s already done wonders for getting the word out about CP United FC – a team that plays right here in Greater Manchester and all across the North West.
Featured Image — Bryan Kilpatrick-Elliott/Jack Grealish (via Twitter)
Sport
Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielderJoe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
A man who epitomised our club's values ❤️
We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi
Very sad news, to battle cancer once is extremely brave but to battle it three times is not just brave but you need a strong mindset and obviously Joe had that to keep fighting. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
Inside Manchester’s new padel club with a Pot Kettle Black cafe and courtside cocktail bar
Daisy Jackson
Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world, and it’s really picking up speed in Manchester now too with another city centre club opening this month.
The Pollen Club is a little different to the others, in that it’s fully undercover and protected from Manchester’s less-than-favourable weather.
And another thing that makes it a must-visit is the cafe attached to it – a third site for the beloved Pot Kettle Black.
The Pollen Club and Pot Kettle Black have both taken over a prominent city centre spot just off Deansgate, at the foot of the recently-opened Treehouse Hotel.
There are two state-of-the-art padel courts inside, with a mezzanine terrace for enjoy Pot Kettle Black’s offerings.
In summer, there are plans to launch a bar downstairs too, where you can sip spritzes courtside from loungers and swing seats.
The exciting new Manchester padel club will host pop up events, DJ takeovers and an extended evening food offering.
Pot Kettle Black are part of the new padel clubInside Manchester’s new padel club, The Pollen ClubPot Kettle Black are part of the new padel club
And even if you’re not heading inside The Pollen Club, Pot Kettle Black has a grab-and-go hatch facing onto Blackfriars Street, making their delicious coffees, sandwiches and pastries (from their own bakery Half Dozen Other) even more accessible.
Commenting on the opening of the new site, Pot Kettle Black co-owner, Mark Flanagan said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have opened our third Pot Kettle Black site at The Padel Club. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team.
“After ten years in the city we’ve been enjoying seeing some familiar faces stopping by for a coffee and we can’t wait to get started on our programme of summer events!”
Danny Jones -
24th August 2023 
