Kyra, one of our post 16 students from Inscape House School has returned from the trip of a lifetime after travelling to Houston, Texas, with the Manchester United Foundation to compete in The Genuine Cup, an international football tournament for autistic people.
Kyra was selected to join the squad after the Foundation identified a need for female representation in the team, and knew of her love of football. She was asked, calmly and without fuss, whether she’d like to go, and said yes straight away. From there, planning got underway, from sorting a passport and travel visa to preparing her for the trip ahead.
Kyra was one of 11 players selected to represent England at the week-long tournament, which brought together more than 1,000 athletes from over 50 teams around the world. Alongside her teammates, she played a series of matches against sides from Australia, Lithuania, South Korea, Finland, Vietnam, Puerto Rico and Poland.
Away from the pitch, Kyra also had the chance to experience Texan culture first-hand, attending a Texas Rodeo, trying traditional Texas BBQ and watching the Harlem Globetrotters in action.
On the pitch, Kyra was cheered on by coaches in every match, earning praise for her footballing ability throughout the week, even in moments when she was convinced she hadn’t played her best. One of the standout games of the tournament was against Vietnam, which England won 7-0. As a defender, keeping a clean sheet meant a huge amount to Kyra, and it’s a result she’s still proud of.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience
The tournament had a hugely positive impact on Kyra. Not knowing any of the other players beforehand, she made friends quickly, and grew more independent as the week went on, choosing to spend time with her new friends rather than seeking out familiar faces. She exchanged pin badges and flags with players from around the world, memorabilia she now proudly wears on her lanyard back at Post 16. Alongside this, she grew in confidence and showed outstanding resilience when faced with new challenges and unfamiliar surroundings.
Representing both the Manchester United Foundation and Inscape House School with pride, Kyra came away from the trip with valuable life skills, lasting memories and a new sense of what she’s capable of, both on and off the football pitch.
Reflecting on the experience, Kyra said:
“My favourite part was playing football against so many different countries and getting to experience the Texas Rodeo.”
We’re incredibly proud of Kyra for representing England on the world stage, and delighted she was able to take part in such a memorable experience.