- 11-year-old amputee football participant, Idris Sherifi from Stockport, joined City stars Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany in first team training
- Idris also led the starting eleven onto the pitch at Manchester City’s home fixture against Crystal Palace in May 2017
- City in the Community and Make-A-Wish teamed up as part of their 30-year anniversary celebrations
City in the Community participant and amputee footballer Idris Sherifi, aged 11, was granted the wish of a lifetime as he joined Manchester City’s squad for a unique behind the scenes experience at the club’s training ground, City Football Academy.
Idris, from Heald Green, Stockport was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer at the age of four, which subsequently resulted in him undergoing six courses of chemotherapy and the loss of his right leg.
Paul Kelly, City in the Community’s Disability Coordinator, referred Idris to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a charity that has worked tirelessly for 30 years, to enrich the lives of children fighting life-threatening conditions by making their wishes come to true. After coaching Idris for 18 months and witnessing his inspirational attitude during his weekly amputee football sessions, Paul decided to work with the foundation to give him the wish of a lifetime.
The unique experience began with a special assembly at Etchells Primary School, where Vincent Kompany sent a surprise video message inviting Idris along to first team training. Driven to Manchester City’s Etihad campus in Chappy’s famous taxi, Idris was given a behind the scenes tour of the first team facilities, before changing into his new training gear, ready to head out to watch his footballing heroes.
Unbeknown to Idris, City stars Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho were on hand for some skills practice before Idris teamed up with Aguero to take on other players in a head-to-head match.
After meeting the rest of the squad, Kompany had one last surprise for the City in the Community participant. The Blue’s skipper handed over a Manchester City away kit, before sharing the news that Idris would be leading the team out with him at the upcoming Crystal Palace fixture at the Etihad Stadium.
Talking about his experience, Idris said: “I was so excited when Vincent Kompany invited me to training, I couldn’t believe he was talking to me! Playing football with Sergio Aguero, meeting the whole team and walking out at the Etihad was a dream come true, it’s been amazing.”
Mike Green, Head of City in the Community added: “We are delighted to team up with Make-A-Wish to deliver such a magical experience for Idris, one of our participants.
“Everyone at City in the Community is proud that for the past 30 years, the foundation has been able to provide young people, like Idris, with the opportunity to play and enjoy football no matter their ability.
“This year, as part of our 30th year celebrations, we have engaged with over 30,000 people across the city through a range inclusion, health and educational programmes.”
Nicola Briggs, Wish Granting Team Manager at Make-A-Wish, who helped arrange Idris’ wish, commented on this special 30-year collaboration: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with City in the Community and provide a truly magical and impactful wish for brave Idris.
“Wishes change lives, and with the support of partners like City in The Community we hope to be able to keep bring more magic to local children who are fighting life-threatening conditions.”
Manchester City is proud to work with a range of wish granting charities throughout the year, helping to create magical moments for brave Blues.