How Jack Grealish struck up touching friendship with 12-year-old Man City superfan

This month sees the return of Laureus Sporting Moments, highlighting the sporting stories from around the world that touched our hearts and inspired us all. It launches with the moving story of Jack Grealish and Finlay Fisher.

Last year, 11-year-old Finlay wrote to the Man City star expressing his admiration not only for his football abilities, but for the relationship Grealish has with his sister Holly, who has cerebral palsy. Finlay – who also has cerebral palsy – met Grealish soon after at the City Football Academy, where the youngster plays every week as part of a disability football team, organised by the City in the Community charity.

Grealish asked Finlay to suggest how he should mark his next goal and the pair developed a special celebration, which Grealish performed in front of a global audience when he scored against Iran at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Mike Geary, Head of City in the Community, reflects on an incredible moment and the ripple effect it had.

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It all started with Finlay's letter to Jack. The reason Finlay admires Jack so much is because he can relate to the way Jack supports his own family and the challenges they have been through. The best thing about this whole story is that it was just natural. Jack chose to write a letter back to Finlay off his own back. Then, afterwards, it was Jack who said, ‘Look, I really want to meet this kid. Can you arrange it?’

Finlay was taking part in a disability tournament at the City Football Academy and he had no idea that Jack was coming down to see him. He just lit up when he saw Jack – Finlay’s such a bubbly character! Then, the celebration thing happened, and again