Young Albion fan interviews Pascal Gross – World Braille Day
A young Albion fan was given the chance to interview Pascal Gross – and he’s since been inspired to start his own football team.
Mason, a Year 8 student at The Charles Dickens School in Broadstairs, is partially sighted.
Mason is learning how to write Braille at school; to help him practice, Albion star Gross offered to have a conversation with Mason, which he could then later transcribe into Braille.
Pascal and Mason (and classmate Hallie) chatted over a video call, with Mason getting the opportunity to ask all of his burning questions about the Albion and life as a Premier League footballer.
“It was really good to talk with Pascal Gross,” Mason said.
Teaching assistant Alice called the experience “magical” for Mason and Hallie.
“They were so happy and thrilled,” she said, “It was such a special experience to be a part of and seeing their reactions was just magical.”
After his chat with Pascal, Mason became inspired to start a football team for partially sighted students at his school and in the local area. Mason’s teachers agree, and say they could start a new team as early as February.
Mr Weller, Assistant Head at Charles Dickens School, said: “Thank you to Brighton & Hove Albion, and Pascal Gross in particular, for providing such an inspirational opportunity to Mason and Hallie.
“It was such a positive experience for them and one they will always remember”
Phil Broom, Disability Lead at the BHAFC Foundation, said: “We’d like to give a huge thank you to Pascal for giving up his time to chat with Mason.
“I know it would have meant a great deal to Mason, and I’m sure it will help inspire him on his journey to learn Braille.”
January 4 is World Braille Day. Since January 4 2019, people across the world come together every year to celebrate the transformative impact of Braille – a trailblazing invention and a landmark moment for partially sighted and blind people.