Hi my name is Dave Roberts. Im 42 from Liverpool. When i was little I tried to play football. I wasn't very good but I tried. I played in the school yard. I played on street with the other kids. What i wanted was an identity. I wanted to belong to something. So at the time I lived in a small town in Shropshire called Oswestry. My dad taken me to Oswestry boys club. I wasn't very big for a 7 or 8 year old. But I didn't think I was overly and unusually small however. I remember sitting in the car on the car park. My footy boots on, my eyes focused on the kids playing. My head thinking I can't wait to get stuck in. My dad outside the car talking to the coach. But also my dad starting to get angry. He got in the car, sorry mate you can't play. They said your to small and wont let you anywhere near the field. It broke me.

Many years on. Im a dad. My youngest is 7 at the time. He is autistic. Been diagnosed. And I take him to Bootle bucks inclusions. When he arrived for his first time, he wouldn't mix with anyone, he wouldn't play with anyone, he was what you would call a bit of a loner. But in the Bucks they dont just deal with it. They embrace it. They aren't like mainstream. They help all children with any needs. Autism, Adhd everything physical to. They taken him to the side, worked 1 to 1 with him. A year on he has made lifelong friends.

My personal story began late November 2025. It was a cold dull Saturday. Only 1 coach in the U8s cage where my lad was. About 12 regular kids. Usually there is about 5 coaches. 2 new kids came to start. They was in floods of tears. They sat down. Nervous, anxious. Then they left. I could not just stand there. I had to give something back. They done everything for my son Ryan. It was my time. I went to there senior management explained what I witnessed. Look how can I help. If your short do you want me to take them in the empty cage any new kids. Give them bit of feel good factor. Dave that would be amazing if you could help coaching.

It started there. 6 months on and it's May 2026. Dave do you want your own team. Wow yes amazing.

Enter team Cobras. Its a 6 a side. I have 9 players. Each year 3 times a year, every child no matter there ability has an awards ceremony. They all get a medal. They all get a trophy. Its inclusions. No matter the ability. Each team needs to raise £150 × 3 =£450 for just this. Also I would be grateful for any training gear to help improve these kids so any extra funds collected would only go back to them. I've never ever done a gofundme and learning how it works. But if it's possible I would love to show you all updates how the team is doing and how money is being spent.

Many thanks to everyone.

Dave Roberts

Team Cobras Bootle Bucks