Hi, I’m Leah, mum to 9-year-old Jude, who was diagnosed with ASD when he was four. If you know Jude, you know one thing for sure: football is his whole world. It’s the first thing he thinks about when he wakes up and the last thing on his mind at night. It’s more than a game to him — it’s where he feels alive, focused, and happy.
For years, Jude talked about joining a football team. And for years, I hesitated. Not because I didn’t believe in him, but because I was scared of rejection. Scared of him being singled out. Scared of seeing his heart break in ways I knew could be avoided if I just kept putting him off.
Then we heard about a local team. A team that said it wasn’t about ability, winning, or being the best — but about giving children a place to play, grow, and build confidence. It sounded like everything I’d ever hoped for.
So I took him along.
He was nervous, we’d already had to cancel twice, but once the ball was at his feet, something magical happened. He gave it everything he had. When he came off the pitch, his face was glowing. He couldn’t stop smiling. He couldn’t wait to tell the coach that this was where he wanted to be. When we were told to come back the following week, my heart felt full for the first time in a long while.
But all week, I felt a knot in my stomach. Something didn’t feel right. I messaged to ask when Jude might start playing games and decided to be open about his autism. I hadn’t mentioned it before. It shouldn’t have mattered — but as a SEN parent, you learn quickly that sometimes it does. And deep down, I think I already knew what was coming.
Then the message arrived.
“Unfortunately, we think that with the players we have, Jude doesn’t meet what we’re looking for.”
In that moment, my world shattered. This was the team that promised no judgement on ability — yet that was exactly what had happened. Jude never knew the real reason. We told him the coach had mixed up the ages. Because how do you explain to a child who loves something so deeply that he wasn’t given a chance simply for being who he is?
That night, I cried. I cried for Jude. I cried for every child who has ever been made to feel like they are “not enough.” I cried for all the parents who know this pain far too well. But when the tears dried, something else took their place — determination.
I realised I couldn’t change the world to fit my boy. But I could help build a world that would.
That’s where the vision was born. A mum with no experience and absolutely no idea where to start, I would create a space where children didn’t have to mask, shrink themselves, or try to fit into boxes never made for them. A place where being different wasn’t tolerated but celebrated. A team where every child would be given the same opportunities, respect, and belief as any other child in sport.
The first thing I knew I needed was a coach, but it had to be the right coach. While I know nothing about football, I knew I needed someone as passionate about this as I was, someone the children would feel confident with. He was right under my nose: my good friend Cal. Cal was on board immediately. He was truly born to coach SEN children.
After trying (and failing) to build a team independently, I contacted Bradwell FC and was welcomed by the wonderful Sarah, who completely shared our vision. I will forever be grateful for the club’s guidance, passion, and belief in us. They are incredibly proud of the boys and are our biggest advocates.
Once the club officially brought us on board in November, I began reaching out on social media. I connected with the most incredible mums and their amazing boys — all beautifully different, all with their own challenges, strengths, and stories. Our team now includes boys with diagnoses ranging from autism and ADHD to mental health and medical conditions, as well as boys still on their journey without a diagnosis. Every single one of them brings something special. Every single one of them belongs.
After countless hours researching the PAN League and what it would mean for the boys, considering different venues to make sure every child felt comfortable, checking for potential sensory triggers, completing courses, finding sponsors, planning training sessions, sharing updates on social media, and learning everything about what being part of a football club truly involves…
Bradwell Under-12s Yellows was born.
The boys are already making waves on Instagram and have received amazing sponsorship from @partimeworkingmummy, clothing brand @r.e.b.l, and the wonderful Charlotte at @twins_tides_and_autism_vibes through her family brand @s.a.a.clothing. We’ve even had support from Phil Foden’s little boy, Ronnie! The boys were absolutely ecstatic!
I can’t even begin to explain how excited I am to watch these boys grow — gaining confidence, learning new skills, and most importantly, just having FUN. Our first game is in April, and this September they start their first full season in the PAN League. The pride I feel for these boys isn’t about goals or wins, it’s about what this team really represents: belonging, friendships, confidence… and finally, a place where they can just be themselves.
…and dare I say it, grow. My dream is to reach and support as many children as possible. Imagine having multiple teams across different age groups. How incredible would that be?
I hope this story inspires other parents to create change. There were moments I wondered if I could really do it. But I’m so glad I did.
Be the impact our children need. Keep advocating. And if there isn’t space in the world for your child no matter the situation — move everything out of the way and MAKE room. Our way!
If you’re local to Newcastle-under-Lyme and would like your child to be part of the team, please reach out to me on social media.
