‘Uppies for Autism’ is a sporting challenge initiated by England footballer Jack Wilshere in collaboration with The Autism Trust.
Jack Wilshere (the Arsenal and England football player) has responded to the challenge laid down by Billy Tommey, a young man aged 17 with autism, to take on the challenge of showing off his footballing skills in the new ‘Uppies for Autism’ campaign for 2014.Responding to the opportunity Jack then challenged Mo Farah and Arsenal colleagues Calum Chambers, Alex Oxlade-‐Chamberlain plus the legend, David Beckham.
The game is now on! Anyone can try ! All you need is a ball …or something else to do your uppies, your imagination is your only limitation.
‘Uppies’ is a game played by people the world over to develop their footballing skills. The goal is simple (but very hard!): How many times can you ‘keep up’ the ball using feet, knees, head and shoulders (no handball!) without the ball touching the ground…Uppies for Autism is a campaign to raise awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with autism, as well as how The Autism Trust will address those challenges and improve the lives of all individuals impacted by autism, including their families.
The campaign (online‘uppiesforautism’) will raise much needed funds and support to achieve The Autism Trust’s mission of ongoing operations inthe Sunninghill, UK location, as well as build a revolutionary facility in the UK & United States that will provide vocational, educational, wellness and semi(independent resources for individuals with autism.
These unique and much needed facilities, combined with other resources, will provide futures with purpose for all individuals with autism.
The Autism Trust’s objective is to create a future with purpose for children everywhere with autism. The concept is based on providing employment and training opportunities for young adults with autism within a new residential and outreach centre where adults with autism and other related disabilities are provided with expert services through a developed medical, business and vocational centre that will support their health, maximise their skills and talents and offer work to live fundamentally happy and safe lives.