Swans Foundation participant Charlie meets heroes Ronald and Josh Key at Family Fun Day
Swansea City AFC Foundation’s Premier League Kicks pan-disability football participant Charlie Howlett had the opportunity to meet his heroes Ronald and Josh Key as part of the recent Family Fun Day at the Swansea.com Stadium.
Charlie has a rare muscle disease which had previously prevented him from taking part in football.
However, through the Foundation delivering P.E. lessons in Ysgol Pen Rhos, Charlie is now thriving on the pitch and enjoying playing with his friends.
Having spotted his enthusiasm for football during those Primary Stars sessions, the Foundation encouraged Charlie to also attend their Premier League Kicks pan-disability sessions at Pure Football where he has continued to develop on and off the field.
His love of football and the Swans has seen Charlie become a season-ticket holder, and the Foundation invited Charlie to the Swansea.com Stadium for the Family Fun Day, with a special surprise in store for him following the day's training session as winger Ronald and defender Josh Key greeted him.
Key was delighted to be able to meet Charlie, and spoke of the importance of the young Swans fan having the opportunity to play football.
“It’s always nice to have someone who wants to meet you as a player," said Key.
“For Charlie, who hasn’t had the chance to do something like this before, it’s a great opportunity and it’s great for me to meet someone like him.
“Football is everyone’s game, so it’s great to see everyone in society have the chance to play it.
“It was really good to see him and meet such a kind young man, with such a happy face and happy heart, it was a pleasure for me to meet him.”
And Charlie admitted it had been an increible experience to meet Key and Brazilian forward Ronald.
“It felt like a dream come true,” said Charlie.
“I really enjoyed it, I think it’s one of the best days I’ve had, I really enjoyed getting to see all of the players.
“Ronald is my idol, so it was definitely a dream come true, I was a little bit star struck, but I loved it.”
You can find out more about Charlie's story HERE.