Premier League team Brentford now has a close relationship with Chicago, more than 4,000 miles from their home in west London.

Chicago Bees creator Shawn Danhouser met Brentford icon Allan Cockram during a recent trip to Chicago to celebrate the Premier League Fan Fest festivities.

“The fact that TOPSoccer is absolutely for everyone is one of the things I love about it,” Danhouser said. “We must modify our activities and workouts to accommodate their requirements. A player with a behaviour disorder may be quite high-functioning, but we still need to modify the game to make it work for them. Other players may be in wheelchairs, walkers, or other assistive technology.

That’s a component of what we do as coaches. swiftly evaluating individuals, determining their motivations, and figuring out how to make football enjoyable for them.

The Brentford Penguins, which were started by former Bees midfielder Cockram in west London, provide training sessions to assist make football accessible to kids with Down syndrome who are five years of age or older.

In the UK, Cockram has won national charity awards for his efforts in founding and managing the Penguins, and a documentary about their journey was just produced and titled “Mighty Penguins.”

Cockram and Danhouser had a great chance to exchange ideas and support one another when they met in Chicago.

“With disabilities, you are looking at different connection methods, and I think you can always take something from another coach,” Cockram said. Every one of my kids responds differently to different forms of encouragement or communication. I’m looking at some small advice from Danhouser, and he said, “That worked really well.” We may then exchange ideas.

Through Brentford, Cockram and Danhouser have now established a transatlantic friendship as they work to ensure that everyone can enjoy the game they love.

After visiting London in 2010, Danhouser fell in love with Brentford and has been a fan ever since.

Danhouser grinned as he talked of the Chicago Bees fan club he started after returning to the United States. “The Chicago Bees, we are much like Brentford: small but mighty.”

“At least once a month, we attempt to have a watch party where we bring together as many Brentford supporters as possible to watch the game, socialise, and try to attract new supporters. I’m very happy that I discovered Brentford. What a fantastic journey it has been. Seeing them ascend through the various leagues and establish themselves as a dominant force in the Premier League!

Brentford’s supporters around the globe aren’t in for the glory, and by making football more available to everyone, the bond between these Chicago and west London teams has now been strengthened.

“Bees supporters around the world are really special. I’ve encountered them in many of the locations I’ve visited, and they have a distinct personality because they’re not following the mighty three or four [clubs],” Cockram said.

“To me, seeing the Brentford Penguins logo here alongside the Brentford logo and Chicago TOPSoccer demonstrates the spirit of disability, where everyone looks out for and cares for one another.” Within disability, a profound connection exists. I’m glad to see it,” Cockram continued.