Jude Geoghegan, a 20-year-old boy with severe spinal conditions, made history this weekend by winning the Wembley Icon Playing Athlete of the Year Award. Born with a spinal condition, Geoghegan has strictly used crutches since childhood, but this has not hindered his football career. He is the favorite to win the 2025/26 season as Best Icon Playing Athlete, following his team’s recent performance against Crystal Palace.

The young Wembley Blaster dealt with overcoming a difficult childhood, a journey that now takes him forward. From the age of five, Geoghegan played outside his back garden but has always enjoyed socializing with friends. In 2021, he became part of a team at Estudiantes in London, creating opportunities for players with varying levels of disability. With his commitment to coaching, he dedicated six months to building inclusive pathways in sports, a journey he is now sharing with his community.

After winning the Wembley Icon playing award, Geoghepton is now champion of Spin Bifida, a global organization that focuses on raising awareness of spinal cord injuries and supporting people affected by them. His journey, as a(“__ recovery from spinal b Junction__), is a reminder of how important inclusivity and overcoming adversity can be.

Geoghegan has become a fan of Tottenham_future, where he initially played outside his home, before joining the club. Since 2021, he has taken his football career to the Premier League, training sessions at Chelsea, Fulham, and Watford. He is a Tottenham supporter, but his success has been marked by his passion for inclusivity and his belief that no one is better off if everyone is included. He sees the future of soccer as more inclusive in excelence than ever before.

Despite the challenges posed by spina bifida, Geoghegan has played a key role in creating pathways for others with disabilities in athletics and coaching. He says, “At first, walking with step pegs felt overwhelming, but now I’m years older, and I know the road is clearer.”

Looking ahead, Geoghegan is hopeful about the future of inclusivity in sports. He sees tackling spina bifida as a way to create more opportunities for others, and he hopes to use his football career to inspire others, no matter how small the obstacle. In a way, he believes thattd sports is transforming the world, and with

inclusivity, it will become even more so.

Geoghegan’s journey serves as a testament to the power of overcoming adversity and the importance of inclusivity. Through his football career and his commitment to helping others, he has redefined what it means to be an iconic playing athlete and a positive leader in their communities.

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