The World Cup proved football breaks down barriers: David’s story
This World Cup has reminded us how football has the power to break down barriers and bring countries, communities and people closer together.
It always gives us a reason to celebrate. Seeing smaller nations like Curacao capture hearts on the world stage is a reminder that football belongs to everyone.
But the game’s impact goes far beyond the final whistle. Football brings people together, encourages people to be active and breaks down barriers to participation. That’s what makes Sensory Football so important for disabled people with complex needs like David.
This is David’s story, and the difference the beautiful game has made in his life.
David communicates using ‘yes’ and ‘no’ answers to prompts. Alongside his support worker, Tom, David had a lot to say about the World Cup and its beautiful game.
David’s love of football
Football is part of David’s everyday life.
Our exceptional support staff, like Tom – David’s support worker, help David and others enjoy watching World Cup match highlights, fill in their scoresheets together, and make sure David always has everything packed and ready to play football at a moment’s notice.
David takes part in our Sensory Football sessions every week at Cambridge United, and really enjoys them. It has also meant that he can play more football outside of the session.
When asked if he would encourage others to attend his Sensory Football session, he said:
“No, because I want it all to myself!”
First, we go in and say hello to Phil, the coach.
Then they do training drills, like dribbling around cones with the ball. They play lots of different games.
Sometimes one person has to win the ball back from everyone else, and they finish with a match, splitting the group into two teams, promoting teamwork.
Tom, David’s support worker, explaining what the session looks like
David has scored plenty of goals during our sessions and always leaves wanting to play the following week.
Not just something to play
Football cheers David up if he’s had a bad day.
He enjoys talking about football with other people and says it makes him feel part of something and find connections.
When the conversation turned to watching football, David admits that penalties aren’t exciting – especially as an Arsenal fan.
He is clearly still suffering after Gabriel’s Champions League final penalty miss! (Sorry, David!)
David agrees that penalties are stressful and thinks the offside rule is annoying.
He also isn’t interested in listening to football pundits before a match.
“They’re a bit boring,” he agrees. “Just get on with it.”
Towards the end of the interview, Tom reveals he’s a Newcastle United supporter because Alan Shearer was his favourite player growing up.
Finally, David is asked one last question.
“Do you think Arsenal are better than Newcastle?”
“Yeah, yeah!” David says confidently! Tom laughs. “He’s not wrong.”
The World Cup
When asked whether David would like to go to a World Cup match one day if it were held in England, he smiles widely and answers, “Yeah.”
David has loved watching the World Cup and has been cheering on England with all his heart.
Asked whether he’d recommend football to other people, there is a brief moment of confusion before Tom checks with him.
“You would recommend it?” Tom asks.
“Yeah,” David replies.
Tom laughs. “He would definitely recommend football to other people.”
When asked whether football makes life more fun, David doesn’t hesitate to say, “Yeah.” Tom adds, “It does. It gives you something to talk about.”
Home life
David is 31 and lives in Cambridge. He recently moved from his parents’ house into his own bungalow.
Although he wasn’t keen on moving at first, he’s settling in. His bungalow has a garden and it’s called Daffodil Cottage – a fitting name, as yellow is David’s favourite colour.
Tom describes David as kind, funny and someone with a great sense of humour.
Tom says, “He loves the colour yellow.”
When asked if he’s decorated his bungalow with yellow things, David answers, “Yeah.”
Tom laughs. “You already have. It’s called Daffodil Cottage.”