A heartwarming gesture from Everton supporters has seen nine-year-old George Shaw awarded the January Everton Goal of the Month. Shaw trumped the efforts of Aaron Lennon, Kevin Mirallas and Ross Barkley to capture the prize.
George, who has cerebral palsy, had been invited to the January 24 match against Swansea by Everton winger Gerard Deulofeu. Deulofeu saw a video of the young Evertonian, sporting an Everton jersey with his name and number on the back, online and asked the club to reach out to him.
Cerebral palsy is a permanent movement disorder that appears in early childhood. George's inspring video quickly captured the attention of Deulofeu. “I’ve seen the video maybe 20 times,” said Deulofeu, “it’s amazing.” Deulofeu also presented George with his jersey, boots and tickets to the match.
After meeting the players before the game, he took part in an “Everton in the Community” halftime event during which he netted the winning goal. George received an overwhelming 86% of the vote, a victory that he never could have foreseen.
Everton Goal Of The Month
GOTM: 9 y/o George Shaw has beaten @RBarkley20 and @AaronLennon12 to top our January poll. Well done, George! #EFChttps://t.co/tknZd0jDAM
— Everton (@Everton) February 9, 2016
On February 9, George was informed of his victory by Everton FC over the phone. His reaction was one of sheer joy and disbelief.
@Everton @gerardeulofeu @GaryLineker @CP_United_FC @SticknStep1 @RBarkley20 @1IntegrityClub This moment is priceless pic.twitter.com/Y5BtEPVsA3
— Dave Shaw (@shawyefc79) February 9, 2016
“I never thought I would win,” said George, who favored Ross Barkley’s strike against Manchester City. “I thought I’d come close because of all the support I’ve had but I can’t believe I won!”
Here's the full story of how a young Blue with cerebral palsy spent a memorable day at Goodison with @gerardeulofeu.https://t.co/YJhYxtyh8u
— Everton (@Everton) January 25, 2016
George has now been invited to Everton’s End of Season Awards. “Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me,” he said. “I can’t wait for the End of Season Awards now. It will be great.”
VIDEO: Here's the moment Roberto welcomed up 9 y/o George Shaw to present him with his Goal of the Month award. #EFChttps://t.co/yfhVIkEJBy
— Everton (@Everton) February 11, 2016
