James Farmer secures place on England cerebral palsy team

James Farmer secures place on England cerebral palsy team

James Farmer, 16, from Middleton has been selected for the England Under 19s Cerebral Palsy Football Team.

James, who is studying for a Diploma in Sport at Hopwood Hall College, has physical mobility difficulties due to cerebral palsy. However, he does not let this hold him back.

He has had a regular place on the Manchester City Cerebral Palsy team, who will be playing in Switzerland next year, since2013. Now, through hard work, training and a lot of determination, he has been selected for the England Under 19 Cerebral Palsy squad.

Tariq Mazharuddin, who is a Learning Support Assistant at the College, describes James: “He is a determined and talented young man who also supports other learners with his great experience.”

The College’s Student Support Team organises weekly Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (LDD) enrichment activities, including the regular football sessions that James and his fellow students take part in (see pic). Students with Learning difficulties and/or disabilities are invited to attend the sessions and join in and have some fun. This year, they are also hoping to raise awareness of the Muscular Dystrophy UK charity by seeking the team's involvement in ideas for fund raising or sponsored events.

James has also just been made captain of the Manchester City under 16 Pan Disability football team.