Tears of emotion as Foundation of Light's Parkies United win national trophy at FA's St George’s Park
For those with Parkinson’s disease, exercise is a vital component to maintaining balance, mobility and activities of daily living.
The Foundation of Light’s North East Parkies United players are “bursting with pride” after winning the Cure Parkinson’s Cup at St George’s Park, just a year after playing their first-ever competitive matches at the same tournament.
Returning to the Football Association’s national training centre “better prepared and more experienced”, the side went unbeaten in the group stage before powering through to the final.
Impressive wins over Arsenal and Brighton set up a showdown with reigning champions Northern Lights, where the Parkies United held firm after taking the lead to secure a 1–0 victory.
Player Kevin Ramsey said: “It was a great feeling and great for the guys to get our hands on the huge, heavy trophy at the end of the day.
“There were 24 teams at St George’s and every single player has Parkinson’s disease.
“It was a fantastic day, even if we hadn’t won, it was very emotional.
“For us to win the trophy, it was just amazing. It’s our third tournament overall. We played at St George’s last year and then played at a tournament in Scotland where we got to the semi-final.
“We’d shown some clear improvements, but our aim this time was to get out of the group. We didn’t, for one minute, imagine we’d win it, scoring 14 goals and only conceding two.”
Kevin was speaking at a celebratory event at the Beacon of Light, where the team proudly showed off their kit, medals and silverware.
The team was born from the Foundation of Light’s Neurological Walking Football sessions, which allow anyone with a neurological condition to take part and keep physically active through walking football.
As the session grew and friendships formed, players took the step into competitive football, creating North East Parkies United.
Kevin said: “I was bursting with pride and I couldn’t ask for a better team. It’s not just the football, but the support in life too.
“We support each other and going through our daily issues that we have with Parkinson’s, it’s vital to have that support network.”
Teammate Adrian Wrigley added: “The team spirit was marvellous. We learned the lessons from previous cups, and everyone joined in and did their part. I think just about everybody had a little tear in their eyes because of the achievement that we felt.”
For those with Parkinson’s disease, exercise is a vital component to maintaining balance, mobility and activities of daily living.
Adrian added: “The development since the start of the programme has been immense and everybody gets a massive amount out of it. Just to control the Parkinson’s and the mental health, it’s brilliant.”