Disability is no barrier says teen football coach

A 13-year-old boy has been made Premier League Community Champion for his efforts to connect children with football.

Cameron helps the Bristol Rovers' Premier League Kicks training sessions for other young people three times a week in Lockleaze, Bristol.

His mum Kelly Mills said he has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and football helps him concentrate at school the next day.

Cameron said: "I feel happy helping out the community, teaching kids how to play football."

Cameron has also written to the Bristol Rovers first team asking them to donate boots to children he trains who may otherwise not be able to afford them.

He specifically helps children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at the training sessions.

"I'm a SEND kid myself, and I'm happy to show them that anyone can play football even if they have a disability," Cameron said.

Ms Mills said: "[I'm] really, really proud of him.

"He's been up here for so many years helping out, he really deserves this. It's well earned.

"He's more confident, he has a path that he wants to go down after school.

"Up here he's supported, he feels safe. Up here he can be Cameron, he can be SEND."

Will Dixon, head of inclusion at Bristol Rovers Community Trust, said Cameron's commitment is "second to none".

"He's always here, always on time. Helps set up, helps packs away. We're really fortunate he attends each of our sessions each week."

The Premier League puts on its Kicks programme to use football to help young people in disadvantaged areas.

Cameron was awarded the accolade by Bristol Rovers first team players Promise Omochere and Kamil Conteh on 11 February.

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