One of the stories to emerge from Brentford's first days as a Premier League club even caught the attention of some of our opponents. When The Bees beat Arsenal 2-0 to kick-off the 2021/22 season a picture of Head Coach Thomas Frank with young fan Woody went around the world. It attracted considerable media attention and continues to do so.
Woody has Down Syndrome and a very limited vocabulary. He communicates through sign language and his beaming smile and became a regular in our last years at Griffin Park. We told his story in full on World Down Syndrome Day in 2019 and you can see that here.
Woody was with us at Wembley Stadium when we won promotion to the Premier League and has been a regular at games since first being invited to Brentford in 2018. During his time following The Bees he struck up a relationship with our former striker Ollie Watkins. And that continued even when Ollie left to join Aston Villa.
Prompted by Ollie, Woody was invited by the Aston Villa Foundation, to our game at Villa Park last month. Woody sat with Ollie's partner and watch the 1-1 draw. The invite was highlighted by the foundation, Aston Villa's official charity, among others.
We were delighted to invite Woody to Villa Park last weekend to see Aston Villa take on Brentford and his beloved Ollie Watkins return to the pitch. 🏟️
— Aston Villa Foundation (@AVFCFoundation) September 2, 2021
We hope you had an incredible time, Woody. 💜 pic.twitter.com/LsfMZr06CB
What a wonderful day we had with a wonderful family 💜💙🐝@ParkLaneStables pic.twitter.com/Plw3ofUrSJ
— ellie alderson (@ellsalderson) August 28, 2021
Thank you @ellsalderson & @AVFCOfficial 4 the most amazing day. Woody was soooo happy 2 b reunited with Ollie, the villa fans gave us the best welcome & the noise from the @BrentfordFC fans was amazing. Memories made 2 last 4ever. pic.twitter.com/6ULoDZlPbs
— Park Lane Stables 💙 (@ParkLaneStables) August 29, 2021
