14 August 2023 , 10:30
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As a teenager, Rebecca dreamed of playing football. But unlike others her age, her dreams weren’t of playing for England - she would have been happy to join a kickabout in the playground.
“I wanted to join my primary school football team but they wouldn’t let me,” says the 20-year-old, who is studying criminology and law at the Open University.
“As I got older, it felt like I was being left out because of all my disabilities.” Rebecca lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
“It causes hyper-mobility - so my joints dislocate easily - as well as feeding problems, so I use a feeding tube,” she explains. “I also have autism, which affects my social skills and ability to make friends.”
Rebecca has fulfilled her dream to play football and joined Barton Inclusive FC (Lorna Roach)After the Lionesses won the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, Rebecca decided she wasn’t going to take no for an answer any longer. “I went on to the England Football website and found Barton Inclusive FC, in Barton upon Humber, which welcomes players who are neurodiverse or have physical difficulties.
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“I was nervous at first, but now everyone knows about my disabilities and when we play friendlies our coach tells the other team not to tackle me quite so harshly.”
Barton Inclusive FC is supported by National Lottery players, who have raised over £50 million for women’s football over the past 10 years.
Rebecca says joining the team has been life-changing. “It’s the one hour each week when I feel like everyone else and I’m included.”