United and Me: Petra's inspiring journey

Petra began playing football at a young age, but having experienced challenges in developing her communication skills she fell out of love with the game.

Those who get to know her now, may struggle to believe that Petra, 10, used to be non-verbal, choosing not to continue playing football after her confidence was affected by the environment she trained in.

It wasn’t until earlier this year when Petra began attending Ability Counts – the Foundation’s PAN-disability football programme, which is based at the Cliff – that she redeveloped a passion for the sport.

“Petra was shy and low on confidence, especially in big groups,” explains Petra’s dad, Andy. “We first heard about Ability Counts through a friend of ours and ever since we came, we haven’t looked back.”

“I love to go to Ability Counts!” says Petra. “I like scoring goals, tackling people and passing. The coaches are really good; they help me.”

Ability Counts gives 5-25 year olds the opportunity to play football in a welcoming and inclusive environment, primarily supporting young people with a sensory, physical and neurological impairment or disability.

Andy continued: “She really enjoys the atmosphere, the coaches, everything about it, and she just wants to come every week. Her communication skills have improved, especially in a larger group. She’s made so many different friends here and that’s what it’s all about.

“Since she’s been at Ability Counts, she’s been communicating with lots of different children; she enjoys having that fun side, it helps with her confidence. She loves interacting, she never stops smiling, chasing around and having fun, as well as just playing football.”

Andy notes the development in Petra physically as well, as she also has difficulty with gross motor skills and co-ordination with her lower limbs, which affects her lower limbs and coordination.

He said: “Coming to these sessions have helped her develop her muscles and strength so that she can compete a lot better in sport at school. It’s helped her massively.”

Through attending Ability Counts, Petra has also accessed some amazing opportunities through Manchester United Foundation.

A season-ticket holder for Manchester United Women, Petra was inspired by Reds representing England’s Lionesses in last summer’s World Cup, so was elated to be invited to take a penalty on a women’s team matchday at the Theatre of Dreams.

She was also invited back to Old Trafford for a more prolonged period of fun, for the Foundation’s annual pitch-day experience.

“I love to go to the women’s matches because I love the players and they play for Manchester United,” Petra says. “I liked playing against Fred the Red on penalties when I went on the pitch. And then I did my cool celebration and won a prize!

“I feel special and proud of myself. I like to go on the amazing pitch to score penalties, and I got to walk down the tunnel and saw the FA Cup trophy!”

Dad, Andy, added: “I’m so proud of her. Being invited to play at Old Trafford, to watch the team play, they’re her idols. It’s recognition for her hard work.

“Now, we always make sure that we are available on a Friday to come to Ability Counts, help her have fun, and for her development and training with the coaches.”