Goalden ticket for CP soccer team

THUMBS up . . . from Chadderton Park’s Leon Hoey

YOUNGSTERS from one of Oldham’s most heart-warming sporting establishments spent an inspiring day with some footballing heroes.

Players from Chadderton Park Cerebral Palsy team had the time of their lives when they got the chance to go to the Brazil v USA game in the Cerebral Palsy Football World Championships at the FA’s National Football Centre in Burton on Trent.

And while the soccer-mad youngsters thought they were just going to watch the match, they were given a heroes’ welcome themselves - and led out the teams. Some also acted as ball boys for the thrilling match, which Brazil won 6-0.

“It was incredible,” said 21-year-old Hannah Dunks, who helps to run the team with her parents Jason and Ann Tricket.

“We were just expecting to go and watch the game.

“But CP Football World Championship director Jeff Davis gave us kits for the children to wear so they could be mascots, and flags. When they asked them to be ball boys they were so excited. They absolutely loved it. It was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen.”

Hannah, who also has cerebral palsy, is a coach for the team, which has become so highly regarded it attracts youngsters from as far as Stoke and Liverpool.

On Saturday, a team from Chadderton Park CP Football will make history by playing in the world’s first framed football tournament at Coundon Court FC, in Coventry.

“Four of our children with frames are going down and we are the only group to actually send a team,” said Hannah. “They’re so excited, they can’t wait and it will be such a brilliant day for the sport.”