Brave Dean inspires new generation

Football coaching role

An inspirational Castlemilk teenager is using his skills to help disabled c h i l d ren enjoy football.

Dean Thornton, 17, suffers from cerebral palsy and eplipesy and doctors initially thought that he would have no quality of life and would never be able to walk.

But brave Dean has proved that prognosis wrong and is now a coach for Frame Football, a project run by Partick Thistle FC for children with paediatric walking frames.

Frame Football takes place every week at the Firhill Complex near Thistle’s home ground.

Castlemilk High pupil Dean was only too happy to offer his own services when he found out about he project.

His mum, Ellen said: “It actually came about by me following them on Twitter.

“They sent me a message saying thank you and I got back telling them it was a cause close to my heart.

“I explained that Dean had cerebral palsy and wanted to do sports coaching with disabled kids when he leaves school.

“They were only too happy to help. He’s been doing it four weeks now and absolutely loves it.

“The kids are so inspirational.

“Frame football is pretty new but they have kids of all ages from three to 16 as long as they use a frame to walk.

“Dean used one when he was younger but doesn’t need it now.

“He’s never done any coaching before but he’s really enjoying it.

“They have welcomed him with open arms.”

Dean, of Stravanan Road, previously played for the Scottish cerebral palsy football team and his experience is proving a real boost for the players.

A former pupil at Miller Primary, Dean even had the honour of carrying the Commonwealth Baton during the Queen’s Relay in 2014.

Ellen said: “He is doing well.

“He still has his struggles and has good days and bad days but on the whole he’s doing well.”

Partick Thistle were the first club in Scotland to introduce frame football for boys and girls who have a physical disability and need a frame to walk.

The programme is carried out by the Partick Thistle Community Trust every Sunday at Firhill Complex from 10–11am.

Go to www.community. ptfc. co. uk/ activities/ frame_ football for more information.

They have welcomed him with open arms