Borders youngster scores against Everton in Cerebral Palsy challenge
Wednesday, July 12 2006
Selkirk's Yarrow Park was the venue for the first-ever Cerebral Palsy (CP) challenge match in the Borders last weekend when Scotland went down 6-1 to Everton.
The seven-a-side game was a brave performance from the Scots, who played with three of their key players missing and their captain lost to injury at half time against an opposition which included many of the England CP national squad.
Everton took the lead early in the first half, with four goals from the un-stoppable Michael Barker of Everton. The visitors looked untroubled until talented local youngster Graeme Patterson (16) from Duns scored a magnificent solo effort in the late stages of the game.
Dougie Anderson, Scottish Borders Council's Football Development Officer, said, "To host the first international game in the
Borders of this magnitude is a great achievement for Selkirk and everyone involved. The game today has been great to watch
and Graeme Patterson has made a magnificent debut. Seeing the joy that football brings to these youngsters' faces just makes
all our hard work worth it. It has been a truly rewarding experience."
Dick Shaw, a member of the Scottish Football Association's Management Committee, was also impressed. He said, "The whole event
has been exceptionally well-organised and I am very proud of the SFA's achievements here today. This shows that everyone can
enjoy football. The determination, bravery and true commitment shown from each and every one of these youngsters is admirable
- giving us all a sense of wellbeing and satisfaction."
A strengthened Scottish CP side will travel to the European Championships in Dublin on 19 July. Jed Renilson, SBC Disability Sports Development Officer, will accompany Scotland to Dublin as part of the Management team. Jed was delighted that this pre-match was held in the Borders and looks forward to the European Championships:
"This has been an exciting day for the Borders and great preparation for the boys who will head of to the European Championships next week. Everyone wishes them the best of luck," he said. "Today has not just been a football game, though. It is has been an opportunity for the Scottish Borders to be recognised as supporting Scottish Disability Sport and we hope there will be many more events like these in the future."
Everton CP coach, Steve Johnson, was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the hosts and the atmosphere at the Selkirk venue. "This has been a superb event. It has been brilliant for us to come up to the Scottish Borders and receive such tremendous hospitality," he said. "The boys have really enjoyed this today and it has been a thrill for them to play against the Scottish national team. We hope to be invited back and would like to thank the SFA for giving us this opportunity."
CP Scotland will face its first-ever game at the European Championships on Friday, 21 July against Spain at the University College, Dublin. The Scots are grouped with hosts Republic of Ireland, as well as the World and European champions, Ukraine.
The Scottish Football Association would like to thank Selkirk FC for all their excellent hospitality during this match and Selkirk Pipe Band for their pre-match entertainment. They would also like to thank Everton FC for their participation and excellent sportsmanship.
Editors' note:
Cerebral Palsy (CP) affects one in 500 children and involves physical impairment of movement. Impairment may vary from barely
noticeable to extremely severe - and can cause muscle spasms, poor balance and restricted movement. No two people with CP
are the same - it is as individual as people themselves.
For more information, please call Jed Renilson SBC's Disability Sports Development Officer, on 01896 754751 ext: 2699 or online
Unified Solutions.