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
Manchester Storm offering cut-price tickets for blockbuster quarter-final against Sheffield
Danny Jones
Local ice hockey starts Manchester Storm are taking a hit to their own pocket in an effort to help fans get to as many games as possible this winter by offering cut-price tickets to their upcoming Challenge Cup quarter-final on Thursday, 7 December.
As their exciting 2023/24 campaign continues, the Storm have found themselves amidst a run of home games in the space of a week and besides the test the players are now facing, they also know it presents a challenge to Manchester ice hockey fans who want don’t want to miss any of the action.
That being said, as they prepare to face league leaders Sheffield Steelers in the quarters this week in Altrincham, the Manc skaters have decided to reduce the cost of tickets across the board to pack out their barn as best they can.
It’s sure to be an electric night and a busy month at the Storm Shelter.
🏆 – 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗘𝗧𝗦 𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗡𝗢𝗪
The fixture is set to take place Thursday 7th December inside the ‘Storm Shelter’ with doors opening at 6.30PM ready for a 7.30PM start ⤵️
With the big fixture looming, the Trafford-based team are looking to continue their impressive turnouts so far this year and this cut-price rate will certainly help keep that trend going.
Notching the price of adult admission down by a fiver to just £18, the concession prices to just £15 and children tickets to a mere tenner for this highly-anticipated match-up, the Storm Support will no doubt be in full force even on a random Thursday night.
General sale is never that expensive to begin with and the local venue has been one of the most affordable and accessible places to watch live sport in Greater Manchester, but discounts like these make it an even better way to spend an evening midweek.
The home team head into the Challenge Cup quarter-final against the high-flying Yorkshiremen following a 4-3 loss to the Glasgow Clanand will face off against the Fife Flyers just two days later before back-to-back away trips to Belfast in the league on 15 and 16 December.
In just 10 competitive games across all competitions at home this season, Manchester Storm have welcomed over 18,700 supporters through the doors of the Storm Shelter, a.k.a. Planet Ice over in Alty.
With two sellout games already this campaign and plenty of others close to capacity no matter the day of the week, their 60% increase in season ticket sales alone shows just how fast the fan base is growing.
Doors for Storm vs Steelers this Thursday, 7 December open at 6:30pm with the face-off set for 7:30pm — let’s get behind our lads, you lot!
Club de Padel – The world’s fastest-growing sport is finally coming to Manchester this month
Daisy Jackson
The world’s fastest-growing sport is finally about to arrive in Manchester – and in a seriously impressive location.
Club de Padel is taking shape at the foot of the Deansgate Square skyscrapers and has officially locked in a launch date.
With four state-of-the-art panoramic courts, the new sports club will be bringing the global sports phenomenon to the city centre for the first time.
It will also have one of the city’s most popular brunch spots and coffee shops, Federal, on site to provide caffeine, snacks, and a selection of drinks in the evenings.
For those unfamiliar, Padel is a mash-up of tennis and squash, where players are enclosed by walls and can play the ball off any wall.
The sport was first invented in Mexico in the late 1960s but has exploded in popularity across Europe in recent years, drawing legions of famous fans.
Andy Murray, David Beckham, Pep Guardiola and Serena Williams have all declared themselves fans, and Lionel Messi went so far as to install a Padel court at his home.
Co-founder James Wigglesworth says: “We can’t get over the support we’ve had from the city so far, our inbox hasn’t stopped with people asking when we’re opening, when they can book, how they can learn to play – it’s been great.
“We’ve also discovered a hardcore element of ‘paddicts’ who travel miles every week to play and are just delighted that we’re landing on their doorstep.”
Club de Padel is partnering with Adidas and HEAD on its equipment and will have one of the UK’s top padel competitors, Alberto Cubero Torregrosa, as head coach.
Alberto said: “I can’t wait to get started at Club de Padel. Having grown up in Malaga, I have been playing padel for over 25 years, so I’m delighted to see it finally arrive in Manchester, where I now call home.
“It is important to me that everyone can enjoy this amazing sport, so it doesn’t matter if you are a complete beginner or an experienced player, I am committed to helping you improve and have fun while doing it.”
Club de Padel will officially open its doors on Tuesday 19 December, with bookings open from 5 December for Padel+ members and general public bookings from 12 December.
Danny Jones -
24th August 2023 
