A 14-year-old footballer from Bathgate has been unveiled as the Scottish Football Association’s Ambassador for Autism Football.

Bathgate Academy pupil Charlie Fry plays for both Bathgate Thistle Whites 2005 and Team United and his new role means he is a voice for the 7000 registered para-footballers in Scotland.

The SFA officially launched their Para-Football Affiliated National Association earlier this week at Hampden Park in Glasgow.

Following an investment of £100,000, Scottish Para-Football will bring nine different organisations governing various styles of para-football under the one umbrella.

Charlie’s proud mum Rachel told the Courier that football has played a huge role in her son’s life and said the new para-football project is a ‘massive step forward’.

She commented: “The most important thing is that inclusion in sport has been recognised by the SFA because that is a massive step forward.

 

“It’s really important to bring all these organisations under the one umbrella and they can represent all of the para-footballers in Scotland.

“The ambassadors are all there to help each other out as well and help them learn about all the other aspects of Scottish Para-Football, such as mental health and cerebral palsy football, and not just what they are ambassadors for themselves.

“I think that’s really crucial, that they can all work together and learn from each other.

“Charlie was initially part of Team United, who work with young people with autism and help them overcome social barriers through sport.

“He really enjoyed being part of that and through his involvement with them, the SFA picked him for this role. It’s all a bit surreal.”

She added: “Football has been absolutely amazing for Charlie.

“He’s a season-ticket holder at Rangers and the folk he sits around every game have helped him tremendously, so have his team-mates at Bathgate.

“They’ve played a huge role and been so supportive and that’s allowed Charlie to be where he is today. It all comes from football.

 

“The aim is to raise awareness and provide support, not just for the players themselves, but also for the coaches and team-mates so they have all the tools they need and can provide the support.”

Charlie, who plays as a central midfielder, said that he can’t wait to get started in his new role.

“It’s really exciting to be involved with the organisation,” he said.

“I can’t wait to get started. It didn’t really hit me until I was at Hampden and meeting everyone else involved just how major it was and how much of an impact we can have on para-footballers.

“Being part of the launch and being shown around the Hall of Fame was amazing. We hope to be able to promote awareness and get more players involved in Para-Football.”

If you would like to know more about Team United, please contact them directly at alex@teamunited.org.uk.