Bailee Hewitt – PAN Ability

Bailee is the big friendly giant of our Junior PAN ability football sessions through PL Kicks. He is a big Fleetwood Town FC fan with a heart of gold that would help anybody, which he frequently demonstrates when playing football.
It’s not been all plain sailing for Bailee, he had to be resuscitated at birth, he has learning difficulties and was diagnosed at age seven years old with autism. He found it hard at his original school main stream school where due to his additional needs struggled to mix. Three years ago he moved to a local SEND which has benefited him hugely, allowing him to access a variety of extra-curricular activities, football being his favorite.

Bailee’s Nan, Fiona has brought him up since birth said “Bailee is a very happy child and was always laughing and causing mischief. He is really big into music and even has some Elvis dress up outfits and a microphone. I take him to all the Fleetwood home games and he insists we go 3 hours early so he can dance and prepare for the big game.” She also added, “He absolutely loves coming to football with Phil and Jamie and it’s the highlight of his week. He just loves to be around people and enjoys everything football related.”

Bailee represents his school team, playing in regional tournaments every half term. He first attended the PL Kicks Junior PAN Ability football sessions three years ago and has rarely missed attending in that time. He finds it easy to make friends and everyone looks up to Bailee as he acts a role model to the younger players. Bailee told us, “I love coming to the football at Fleetwood High, I like scoring goals and playing with my mates, the coaches are always great with us and we have so much fun, I just wish it was on everyday.”

Community Engagement Coach for Inclusion, Phil Bowker explained, “Bailee is a pleasure to coach. He is so enthusiastic in everything he does and always put’s 100% in to it when he plays. Seeing how his confidence and physical health has developed in the three years he’s been involved in PL Kicks has been incredible to see.”