A DOTING dad quite literally made his dreams come true with the launch of a new football team for diabetic youngsters.
Colchester-based under-12s side T1DFC was born in November after Matthew Clarke dreamt about starting a team for children living with type one diabetes.
His 11-year-old son Keiarno, who was diagnosed with the condition at three years old, has been a keen goalkeeper since he was a youngster, playing for grassroots teams, Colchester United in the community, and even Premier League side Chelsea’s development team.
Lifelong football fanatic Matthew explained: “I had a dream I started a youth football team and from there I woke up and spoke with my partner and she said ‘go for it’.”
The team, which trains every Saturday at Essex University, played its first friendly match on Sunday against Great Bentley’s under-12s side on Sunday, and despite a loss the dad-of-three said “everyone enjoyed themselves”.
The squad is looking forward to kicking off the Colchester and District Youth League season with a match against Parkeston Welfare’s under-12s side next Sunday.
Family is at the heart of T1DFC with Shrub End resident Keiarno’s mum Michala White and stepsister Sophie White-Hardy taking on committee roles alongside manager Matthew.
The team will fundraise for the JDRF and Diabetes UK charities and hopes to make significant donations to both organisations at the end of each season.
The players have even gained the support of diabetic former Colchester United player Ben Coker who has shared words of advice in the team's WhatsApp group.
Keiarno was diagnosed with type one diabetes at just three years old after his mum noticed something wasn’t right with her son’s eating and drinking habits.
Having recently joined Philip Morant School as a Year 7 pupil, he has had to learn to manage his diabetes on his own.
His proud dad said: “Because he was diagnosed so young he doesn’t really know any different. He has a Bluetooth-controlled insulin pump and he’s dealing with it really well since starting at his new school.”
To support T1DFC’s fundraising, visit gofund.me/6b8d90e5.
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