The recent Premier League Mornings Live in Chicago, Brentford were able to unite two inclusive football programmes that showcased how the game can empower people of all abilities.
The club brought together Allan Cockram, former Brentford player and founder of the Brentford Penguins – a football team for young people with Down’s Syndrome – and Shawn Danhouser, a Brentford fan and founder of Chicago TopSoccer, a programme for athletes with intellectual, emotional and/or physical disabilities.
Both initiatives share a focus on providing safe, supporting football environments for players of all abilities.
Seventeen-year-old Penguins player Charlie Rowley accompanied Allan to Chicago, where they attended a TopSoccer training session and the two founders exchanged strategies and best practices when coaching individuals with disabilities.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Allan said: "Seeing the Penguins logo alongside Brentford's and TopSoccer's shows the spirit within disability.
"Everyone looks out for each other and cares about each other - there's a deep connection."
“To see our logo on there, that to me shows the spirit within disability”
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) November 7, 2024
Allan and Charlie of @BrentfordPFC recently visited Chicago Top Soccer - ran by Chicago Bees founder Shawn Danhouser
4,000 miles apart, brought together by Brentford. Football, for everyone ❤️🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/3lRRRDAgH9
As well as attending the training session, Allan and Shawn spoke to Brentford supporters at a fan event about their work in disability football. Charlie, who joined the Brentford Penguins seven years ago, also shared how the programme has positively impacted him.
The meeting between the coaches was documented and aired on NBC earlier this week.
