Sponsorship of Hashtag United Inclusive Football Club

Sonny Marra, born with Cerebral Palsy, developed a love for football at the age of seven and began playing for Basildon Soccability.

He remained a player there until the age of 15, when he transitioned into an assistant coaching role alongside his father. Unfortunately, Basildon Soccability disbanded during the 2020 lockdown, prompting Sonny to take charge of the team. He incorporated it into his existing sports organisation, Inclusive Sports Ability, and rebranded the team as Inclusive Utd.

During a multi-sports session, Sonny had a chance encounter with Jay Devereux, the first-team manager of Hashtag Utd. Jay proposed the idea of merging Inclusive Utd with Hashtag Utd to establish an FA-affiliated disability team under the Hashtag umbrella. Being a lifelong fan of Hashtag Utd, Sonny embraced the opportunity. After extensive planning and discussions, Hashtag Inclusive Utd FC was officially launched in March 2021.

Recognising the team’s incredible mission, an ICL employee approached management to request sponsorship for the club, including purchasing kits for the players. Inspired by the team’s story, ICL made a more significant financial commitment to support them.

Over the past two years, this support has helped the club grow from 13 to nearly 40 players and maintain two competitive teams in the league. In their debut year, the team secured the Lions Cup, and they have enjoyed continued success since.

The heart of Hashtag Inclusive Utd FC lies in the remarkable stories of its players. These young boys, girls, and young adults, supported by their devoted parents, demonstrate extraordinary resilience in the face of challenges. From weekly journeys to Great Ormond Street Hospital to undergoing numerous surgeries and overcoming immense physical obstacles, their courage and determination inspire all who know them.