7-year-old Bobby Moore, who has SMA Type 2, has made history at Old Trafford as Manchester United’s first-ever wheelchair-using mascot. Bobby had the honor of leading out his beloved team alongside his hero, Bruno Fernandes.
A Dream Come True
Bobby’s journey to becoming Manchester United’s first wheelchair-using mascot began in the most unexpected way. His family shared, “It all came about when a video of Bobby celebrating Bruno Fernandes’ goal against Man City in December went viral. A few weeks later, we were contacted by the Premier League about doing a Fan Mail video, and it just snowballed from there, with lots of surprises along the way.”
What followed was a series of unforgettable moments. “We got invited to Manchester to train with the Man Utd Powerchair Football team, met Bruno, had lunch with the team, and finally, Bruno invited Bobby to the Manchester derby where he became the first wheelchair user to be a mascot at Old Trafford.”
Bruno Fernandes: A True Role Model
Bruno Fernandes played an instrumental role in making Bobby’s dream come true. Bobby’s family expressed their gratitude: “A lot of this was down to Bruno himself—just so genuine and a true gentleman. Everyone we met that weekend was amazing, from the staff at Man Utd to the players and all of the staff at the Premier League. We will be forever grateful.”
A Step Toward Inclusivity
Bobby’s incredible journey shines a spotlight on the importance of inclusivity in football and sports in general. By opening doors for fans of all abilities, Manchester United and Bruno Fernandes have set a powerful example for the rest of the sporting world. Bobby’s achievement goes beyond a single weekend, it’s a step forward for future wheelchair users to be recognized, celebrated, and included.
As his family put it, “It was an unbelievable weekend, and we couldn’t be prouder of what our Bobby has achieved, for himself and for future wheelchair users.”