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Teen in disbelief after being named coach of the year

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Casey Young has never missed a coaching session, despite having to undergo major surgeries [The FA]

A teenager who trains a Championship football side's cerebral palsy team says he's "still in disbelief" after winning coach of the year.

Casey Young, from Crewkerne, Somerset, has cerebral palsy and coaches anyone aged five and over at Bristol City Cerebral Palsy FC twice a week as a volunteer.

He joined 11 other award winners who formed a guard of honour at the Community Shield match between Arsenal and Manchester City ahead of kick-off on Sunday.

The 19-year-old said: "I still think I'm in shock now. Just the nomination I was really excited about. When I found out I had won, I've been in disbelief since."

According to the NHS, cerebral palsy is the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and co-ordination.

He travels an hour each way, twice a week, to coach the teams based in Brislington, Bristol, and has never missed a session despite having to undergo major surgeries.

Young was one of 12 awarded coach of the year in the disability pathway at the FA Grassroots Football Awards in May, out of more than 12,000 nominations, and was officially awarded the prize on Sunday.

Casey said the "family and community" keeps him going every week [The FA]

Casey said: "When I got this award I was just shocked and excited. I'm just so honoured to be in that list.

"The football is the excuse, it's more the fact we're a community where we'll be your friend.

"We share the same struggles and the same success stories. It's the family and the community that keeps me going every week."

Bob Young, Casey's dad, won the same award three years ago [Casey Young]

Dad Bob Young said Casey has always known he wanted to be a coach and help other children with cerebral palsy.

"He wants to help them improve their lives, confidence, and their understanding of the football game itself.

"Sometimes you won't be the best footballer on the pitch, but you can still go out there with confidence, pride and respect.

"He teaches all of those values," Bob added.

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