Yesterday I (Joey) went to meet one of our lovely friends Matthew! We had a great catch up and talked all things Pokémon!
As part of our #CYASaturdays campaign to get young disabled people out of the house on the weekend Matt wanted to create a Pokémon group that anyone could enjoy!
Matt LOVES Pokemon and it’s made a huge impact on his life. We had a chat about how Pokemon became such an important part of Matt's life.
Pictured: Joey (left) and Matthew (Right) enjoying a catch up talking all things Pokémon
At the age of 6 Matt ended up with a Pikachu cuddly toy. When Matt was at school he played on a GameCube and discovered Pokémon video games during his physio sessions. Matt eventually got his own copy of the game which meant he had to explain to his mum why he now needed his own console! Mat now has around 90,000 Pokemon cards and a huge collection of cuddly toys too!
Matt is visually impaired, this has meant that he has developed an incredible ability to memorise huge amounts of information and exact statistics on all of his cards. Matt also explained that he likes the bright colours and sounds that make each Pokémon unique because they mean he is able to tell exactly what Pokémon are near which is of course, VERY important when out and about hunting for Pokémon!
Pokémon GO has meant that Matt now looks forward going out of the house where as before he would often find ways to avoid going out. Now, NOTHING stops him getting outside he says that even in the rain he can see other players being active!
When Matt attended a Pokémon group he felt very left out. He was left on his own because the group was based upstairs and as a wheelchair user he was let down by people not joining him downstairs.
Matt decided he wanted to set up his own Pokémon group where EVERYONE would be welcome. Matt has created a group "Pokémon For All" and he explained that his club is always welcoming and that everyone’s needs are always met so everyone can join in together. "There's always a way to play no matter what difficulties or challenges people face."
Pictured: Matt is cover star for BBC article 'How Pokémon Go has changed my life'
Matt has found that when enjoying Pokémon it makes it easier to talk to people and make friends. In his club people of ALL levels can enjoy time together - one member had never played Pokémon before but now is learning from the master and even has some cards of his own.
Matt wants us all to know that no matter you’re a beginner or pro you’re all welcome.
Matt has a dream to become a Guinness world record holder for the largest collection of Pokemon cards. If anyone has any cards lying around that aren’t being used we’d be love it if someone could donate them to us at grapevine using our get in touch tab to help him on his way to the title and of course we’ll make sure anyone that donates gets acknowledged!
Matt’s very much looking forward to meeting some challengers - maybe you could be one of them!
Matt’s top tips on how to become a Pokemon pro!
Brush up on your skills with YouTube and see what the excitement is all about.
Check out out these websites chosen by Matt to get on your way to your very own collection at the best value:
Magic Madhouse: www.magicmadhouse.co.uk
Chaos Cards: www.chaoscards.co.uk
Total Cards: www.totalcards.net
Hills Cards: www.hillscards.co.uk
Matt is very keen for this message to travel the world so please give us a share with your friends and check out Matt’s top tips to becoming a pro and catching 'em all!
The next Pokémon For All Drop In is happening NEXT Saturday 1st February 2pm - 4pm and has a NEW location of Central Library, Smithford Way (Coventry)
Find Pokémon For All on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Pokemonclubforall
Check out Matt's BBC appearance: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news
Stay up to date on all things CYA: www.facebook.com/covactivists
Written by Joey.