At the age of seven, football mad Fulham fan Ollie woke up on a Saturday morning feeling unwell and not wanting to go to his match for Slough Town Juniors. The next few weeks saw Ollie taking a turn for the worse, being admitted to hospital in the high dependency ward, diagnosis with a life changing condition, and a major concern that he would not be able to play football again.
Nearly two years ago, Ollie would always be playing football whenever he had the chance. However, after becoming very ill, Ollie was admitted to the John Radcliffe Hospital high dependency ward where he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre/Miller Fisher syndrome. This is a neurological condition where the brain tricks the immune system to attack the body's nerves instead of the virus.
Ollie’s doctors said that although Ollie was on the mend, they were concerned that Ollie wouldn't be able to play football again - he had a long recovery ahead of him. Over a two year period he had to learn to swallow and walk again, making steady progress, always determined to return to the game he loves.
Last week, Ollie was welcomed into the Fulham Family, joining Fulham FC Foundation’s Pan DisAbility Soccer Schools at Fulham’s Motspur Park Training Ground and playing football for a whole day with his new friends. The Pan DisAbility Soccer Schools are structured in a way that players can have regular rest breaks and activities can be adapted to suit their abilities. During the sessions we focus on each individual player and what they can do.
During this February half-term, we had 62 participants with disabilities or special educational needs taking part in our Pan DisAbility activities. These took place at Sacred Heart School in Battersea and Fulham FC Training Ground at Motspur Park. These sessions are for children aged 5-16 years, as well as our new Adults (16+ years) Pan DisAbility Soccer Schools also being added to the programme for 2023 in Battersea.
Ollie's father said: "I saw on the Fulham website about Fulham FC Foundation’s DisAbility Matchday March, and whilst reading the article noticed that Fulham offer a Pan DisAbility soccer camp at Motspur Park. I was a little unsure if Ollie would be able to take part so contacted Fulham Foundation and was advised that Ollie would be able to join in with the session. Ollie was super excited and couldn't wait. I was allowed to stay and watch the session and had a brilliant day.
“It was the best environment for Ollie to continue playing football as he was allowed to sit out whenever he felt tired, instead of trying to keep up with the rest of the players in his team. The day was made even more special as Ollie won player of the day! He is so proud of his medal.”
Ollie added after the session: “After football today I am excited, happy and tired! I can't wait until the Easter holidays.”
“It was absolutely brilliant to see Ollie playing with the other young people at our Pan DisAbility Soccer School last week. He settled into the group straight away and instantly made friends. This epitomises what we aim to achieve with our Pan DisAbility provision, giving all young people with any form of disability or condition just like Ollie’s the chance to play football in an environment best suited to their needs.” - Katy Shephard, DisAbility Development Manager, Fulham FC Foundation.
Fulham FC Foundation’s Pan DisAbility Soccer Schools are now on sale for Easter. To find out more about our regular DisAbility activities email disability@fulhamfc.com.
