“Once I cross over the white line, it’s just me and football.” The words of 17-year-old Liam who represents West Bromwich Albion Cerebral Palsy and England’s CP talent program. 

Liam pictured front-right - image credit: The Albion Foundation

When Liam’s passion for football began, opportunities within disability football were few and far between and so the teenager’s first taste of the sport was through the able-bodied game. 

Speaking about his experiences, Liam said: “With the only differences between the two formats being the pitch size and offsides (smaller pitch and no offsides in CP football) the transition from the able-bodied game to CP was quite easy. 

“Between these two periods, however, I was at Aston Villa’s PAN Disability programme for four or five seasons before I was approached to play for West Brom CP. So, I think such opportunities have only supported my game development and perhaps have led to this representation amongst the England talent section.”

Meanwhile, whilst the Teen has spent most of his time in the Midlands - swapping the claret and blue of Villa for the stripes of the Baggies, CP football requires hours of travelling up and down the country to matches. 

“From up to York and down to Norwich, I think I’ve covered the breadth of England, but my passion for the game still remains,” said Liam. 

“The friendships I’ve made across the game as well as the competition amongst it is probably why I still really enjoy it and sort of disregard the travel.”

West Brom CP and Liam involved in the CP Challenge Trophy 2024