'Coaching disability group has changed my life'

A young man with cerebral palsy said a football club's charitable foundation had "changed his life".

Harrison Mayhew-Kemp, 21, from Ardleigh, Essex, started volunteering at Ipswich Town Football Club Foundation's disability football programme several years ago.

He progressed to become one of the adult team's coaches and now works to support others in their love of the sport.

His father, Mike Kemp, said he was proud and believed his son was an inspiration to others.

"This really was my first introduction into any community work," Mr Mayhew-Kemp said.

"This foundation and this programme has changed my life.

"I've met so many new people since starting this three years ago and it's led to so many different things.

"Really I can't remember what I did three years ago."

Mr Mayhew-Kemp said he was inspired to get involved with the foundation for its community aspect.

Initially, he said he was "quite reserved", but the foundation had helped him "come out of my shell" and he viewed it like "part of my family".

"Up until maybe five, six years ago, the foundation was non-existent," he continued.

"So me growing up with a disability, I always felt part of a community, but I was never able to get involved in anything like this because it wasn't a thing.

"Whether you're young, middle aged or old, it really impacts people's lives for the better."

Mr Kemp believed his son was showing others with disabilities what they could achieve.

"I am incredibly proud," he said.

"[Harrison] has explained how much his confidence has grown and I think that's massively down to the Foundation and the opportunities at college to progress his courses has been incredible."

Nikki Kemp, Mr Mayhew-Kemp's step mother, added his independence had massively grown since being at the foundation.

"I genuinely don't think if it wasn't for the foundation, I don't think he would be the same person," she said.

"It has also changed our lives. I didn't even support Ipswich, but I do now."

'Made a difference'

Lee Smith is the club's disability liaison officer and casual coach for the foundation's disability provision.

"He's shown that with the disability he has that anything is possible and he'll make it happen if he wants it badly enough," he explained.

"He's shown a lot of people here that might not be as confident that it can be done and he's made a difference to some of the players here.

"He should be proud of himself."

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Related internet links

• Ipswich Town Foundation Disability Football