England Football Releases New This Is Football Film To Champion Disability Football During Cerebral Palsy World Cup

In collaboration with Youth Beyond Borders, England Football has today released a new episode of the This Is Football series. 

The new episode stars England Cerebral Palsy player Liam Irons and Dylan, a young grassroots player who himself suffers with cerebral palsy.

Liam Irons and his England CP teammates are currently taking part in the 2022 IFCPF World Cup in Barcelona. His episode ofThis Is Football details his journey of feeling frustrated about his disability to feeling empowered and accepted through playing CP football, with Liam saying in the film: “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.”

Liam’s episode of This Is Football was directed by Esmé Moore from Youth Beyond Borders who also has cerebral palsy, using her own experiences to creatively bring to life a film that aims to improve and raise awareness of disability football in England. 

Speaking about his involvement with This Is Football, Liam Irons said: “I’m honoured to have my story told as shining a light on disability football is so important. 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.”

With several major tournaments taking place throughout the year, This Is Football chronicles the journey from grassroots to elite football, with the objective of celebrating and inspiring participation in the sport. Episodes will be released in the coming months with Senior Women’s, Men’s and Para players ahead of UEFA Women’s EURO England 2022, Men’s UEFA Nations League fixtures and The FA Disability Cup.

Kelvyn Quagraine, Director of Youth Beyond Borders, added: “Having a disability shouldn’t stop you from doing any of the things you love – and that includes football. 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.”

Episodes of This Is Football are available to view at EnglandFootball.com and @EnglandFootball.

Source: England Football

  Cerebral Palsy World Cup, England Football, Kelvyn Quagraine, Liam Irons, This Is Football series, Youth Beyond Borders