A 19-year-old from Crewkerne, Somerset, who volunteers twice a week coaching a cerebral palsy football team, says he remains "in disbelief" after being named a national coach of the year. Casey Young, who himself has cerebral palsy, was one of 12 winners in the disability pathway category at the FA Grassroots Football Awards, selected from more than 12,000 nominations, and formally received his award on Sunday during a guard of honour at the Community Shield match between Arsenal and Manchester City.
Young coaches players aged five and older at Bristol City Cerebral Palsy FC, based in Brislington, Bristol, making an hour-long journey each way twice weekly. Despite undergoing major surgeries related to his condition, he has never missed a coaching session.
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.
What does cerebral palsy involve?
The NHS describes cerebral palsy as an umbrella term for a group of lifelong conditions that impact movement and coordination. The condition affects each individual differently, and in Young's case has not prevented him from taking on a demanding coaching role alongside his own physical challenges.
Why does Young keep coming back each week?
He says the sense of belonging among players matters more to him than the sport itself, describing football as almost secondary to the relationships built at the club.
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.
What has his father said about his motivation?
Bob Young, Casey's father, said his son had long known he wanted to coach and support other children living 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.
Does coaching run in the family?
Bob Young previously received the same honour himself three years before his son's win. According to the club's own history, published on Bristol City Cerebral Palsy Football Club's website, Bob Young took on a coaching role at the club in 2018 specifically to help build up its youth section. The club's site also notes that Bob Young was awarded the FA's National Coach of the Year prize in the disability pathway category, according to the club's event page, before his son went on to win the same accolade.
Has there been any update since the award ceremony?
As of the most recent update to the original report at 05:46 on 17 August 2026, no further developments beyond the award presentation itself had been recorded, according to a national broadcaster's report.
Key Facts
- Casey Young, 19, from Crewkerne, Somerset, has cerebral palsy and volunteers as a coach at Bristol City Cerebral Palsy FC.
- He was named one of 12 winners in the disability pathway category at the FA Grassroots Football Awards, chosen from over 12,000 nominations.
- He received his award during the Community Shield match between Arsenal and Manchester City.
- His father, Bob Young, took over coaching duties at the club in 2018 and won the same national award three years earlier, according to the club's own history.
- Casey Young travels an hour each way, twice weekly, and has never missed a session despite major surgeries.
