Hi, I’m Lee. I’ve been a football/soccer coach for more than 20 years, and one of my most memorable experiences came when I was just starting out. At 18 or 19, I was asked to cover a mid-morning training session at a local church hall. I walked in expecting a typical group of young players. Instead, I found 10 eager athletes—three in wheelchairs, four on crutches (including one amputee), and three with learning difficulties. I froze.

One boy rolled up to me, clearly noticing my panic, and asked for a ball. I handed it to him. He placed it on the floor, removed his feet from the chair, spun around at full speed, and whipped the ball into the goal. Then he grinned and said, “We’re going to have some fun today, coach.”

From that moment, some of my best sessions have been with players with disabilities. Their creativity, determination, and love for the game are the same as any player’s, yet they’re too often overlooked. That’s why I’m proud to be running for The Bionic Project. This incredible nonprofit is building a more inclusive world by dismantling disability bias through sports and education. With your support, we can help create communities rooted in empathy, connection, and opportunity. Every donation, big or small, makes a real impact. Join me in championing inclusion!