Sam Duffield is a remarkable young man who has overcome odds that often seem unfairly stacked against him.
With a little help from us here at MFC Foundation, Sam continues to fight and he’s still smiling.
There have been six FIFA 20 tournaments hosted by us during lockdown, all for the participants who have been missing out on their social interaction and physical activity they normally get from our PL Kicks programme. There has also been a joint inclusive FIFA tournament with Hull City, a FIFA tournament only for registered PL Kicks disability participants from both clubs.
Sam won both the Foundation U16 tournament and the joint one. Here he explains what it meant during to him during what is a difficult time for everyone.
“During COVID-19, having the tournament to play has kept me socially communicated with other people and has helped me with my frustrations I endure with my medical interventions,” he says.
Far from backing down, or giving in as many might, Sam says this drove him on.
“This gave me an incentive to work towards being the MFC online U16 FIFA player, as it has always been a dream of mine to become a football player for MFC which I have so much passion for.”
Sam’s determination to succeed is clear for all to see, and admire, as he outlines physical problems that would get the better of many.
“My disabilities, illness and medical interventions have always affected my ability to play for a team. I had a tumour at the base of my spine at 13 months old which left me fighting for my life and resulted in me having sepsis which led to me ending up with a neuropathic bowel and bladder and impaired mobility.
“Only this year I found out in January that I have Type 1 diabetes which I have had to get to grips with and learn how to give insulin to myself.
“This tournament has helped me so much and achieving being an online player now makes me feel proud of myself and has meant a lot to me.
“I am a season ticket holder with my family and I was buzzing to have won the tournament. I thank MFC Foundation for this opportunity and I look forward to playing online anyone wants to play.”
If you have any questions regarding the PL Kicks programme, please e-mail liam.watson@mfc.foundation.co.uk