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
‘We couldn’t see f**k all’ – Bizarre Altrincham FC FA Cup clash played in thick fog leaves fans baffled
Daisy Jackson
Altrincham FC’s FA Cup clash with Notts County descended into extraordinary scenes on Saturday night as thick fog engulfed the stadium, leaving supporters struggling to see the players and even broadcasters questioning what was happening.
The bizarre first-round encounter at the J Davidson Stadium saw visibility deteriorate so badly that fans resorted to holding their mobile phone torches aloft in an attempt to follow the action.
What should have been a memorable FA Cup occasion turned into something resembling a scene from a horror film, with the players increasingly disappearing into the mist.
Altrincham Today captured the surreal atmosphere, posting: “Extraordinary scenes here at the J Davidson Stadium. Visibility down to a few yards. No-one has any idea what is going on. Supporters holding mobile torches aloft, like it’s an Elton John concert. It is still 2-2, we think.”
Even television coverage struggled to make sense of the conditions.
Broadcaster Jason Mohammad joked: “Bear with us at the end of the game. We’ve not seen much of extra time where we are. We don’t have the foggiest what’s going on down the away end. Fair play – cracking game and atmosphere!”
One social media user summed up the extraordinary conditions simply, writing: “Altrincham v Notts County is currently being played in a cloud.”
Others were equally bewildered, with one supporter asking: “Spot the ball anyone? #FACup @altrinchamfc on the verge of another league scalp – although who knows what’s going on?!”
Another fan was less than impressed, posting: “Shame we couldn’t see f**k all for most of it”.
Even the stadium’s advertising boards were struggling to make an impression. James Timpson joked: “It was hard to see the investment we have made in to our pitch side advertising boards last night at Altrincham V Notts County!”
It was hard to see the investment we have made in to our pitch side advertising boards last night at Altrincham V Notts County! https://t.co/trW9imo7Xu
The unusual conditions also prompted questions over whether the match should have continued.
One Notts County supporter reflected after the game: “Unlucky guys you gave us a great game and the conditions didn’t help still say it should have been abandoned even though we scraped through!!!! Good luck for the rest of the season lads”.
And it was certainly a dramatic contest before the fog took centre stage.
Notts County initially took the lead through Jacob Bedeau in the 28th minute, but Altrincham responded through Lucas Weaver just before half-time.
Lewis Banks then put the hosts ahead in the 59th minute, raising hopes of another famous FA Cup upset against higher-league opposition.
@altrinchamfc If you say so https://t.co/6ub5YiIogD
However, Callum Roberts equalised for County in the 84th minute, sending the tie into extra time.
With neither side able to find a winner, the match went to penalties, where Notts County eventually prevailed 3-2 to book their place in the second round.
While the result was heartbreaking for Altrincham, the extraordinary conditions ensured the match would be remembered for more than just the football.
For supporters at the J Davidson Stadium, it was certainly one FA Cup tie where seeing wasn’t necessarily believing.
Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues
Emily Sergeant
As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.
Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.
Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.
Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.
Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.
The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.
Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied
The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.
“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”
Danny Jones -
24th August 2023 
