19th July 2012 was the date our handsome Charlie boy was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome and sensory sensitivity at 7 years old.

As the specialist began to explain what the diagnosis meant for Charlie one question I always remember being asked was "is there anything Charlie is interested in?" My husband replied "football". "Well he can certainly play football I'm sure but given his diagnosis and sensory issues you need to know he'll never become a footballer and be able to play as part of a team or in a group setting"
At 7 years old I never expected Charlie to be a world famous professional footballer but I did object that the opportunity to be a footballer was dismissed because of his autism.
However as time went on it heartbreakingly became more apparent the struggles he faced on the football field due to the sensory, communicating and processing side of it all, however it didn't affect his ability as a footballer.
As a family and part of the local grassroots community we were at a total loss how best to support Charlie and maybe had to accept that the specialist was in fact right. It also highlighted the lack of resources and training available to coaches who coach in their own time to help support kids with autism. We couldn't give up though as football was a massive part of Charlie's life.
Team United came at a time when Charlie's confidence was at rock bottom. The Team United programme showed Charlie that he wasn't alone and began to actually enjoy playing football. It has also gave him the confidence and belief that anything is possible and that his Aspergers will not stop him achieving his goals in life.
Team United encourages, promotes and supports children & adolescents with Aspergers, autism & ASD in Scotland to play organised football to develop & flourish as a player.
I'm raising money for Team United because I truly believe if it wasn't for sport and the football community he has grown up around Charlie Fry wouldn't be the boy he is today.