Corey didn’t have the easiest start to life, but he’s gone on to become ‘an inspiration to everyone that knows him’
A 15-year-old Hull-based teen has been named ‘Sporting Superstar’ at this year’s Yorkshire Children Courage Awards 2025. Corey Davies was one of 11 extraordinary young people, alongside a children’s charity, who have been celebrated for their remarkable bravery and resilience at the prestigious awards.
Corey suffered a stroke in childbirth and then went on to have several seizures, meaning his first few weeks were spent in intensive care. An MRI showed a bleed on his brain and eventually led to a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy and Hemiplegia.
Physically, Corey has limited use of his right arm and leg, which are different lengths to his left. This means he gets tired quickly.
But despite the difficulties he’s faced, Corey has shown resilience and determination, always striving to do what any able-bodied person can do. At four-years-old, he found a love for Rugby League and began playing at Wyke Rugby League club.
Sadly, at the age of eight, he suffered a concussion while playing. It was decided that it would be too risky for him to continue playing contact sports with able bodied people.
However, a chance encounter with an ex professional rugby player highlighted PDRL (physical disability rugby league) as a way for Corey to continue doing what he loved. Alongside his family, he made the journey to Castleford to play with a team of adults with physical disabilities as there were no no PDRL teams closer or any youth options.
Corey said initially he was scared playing alongside adults at just nine-years-old. But he soon overcame his fears and the journeys to Castleford soon became regular.
Not long after, Corey got the opportunity to play with his new team on the professional pitch at the legendary Old Trafford in front of a huge Super League crowd at the 2019 Grand Final. He even made it onto ITV news.
Finally, in 2022, the first adult Hull PDRL team was finally formed by Hull FC Charitable Foundation. Corey has now spent the last three years feeling immensely proud to be playing for his home club in festivals and matches across the region, as well as playing in an adult team.
The following year, in 2023, Corey got a call up to join the England PDRL training squad. Rules dictate he can’t play in international games until he’s 16 but he now trains with the international PDRL team and his focus is firmly on making the England PDRL team in time for the World Cup in Australia in 2026.
But his achievements didn’t end there. Corey has also been appointed the important role of Youth Ambassador for England PDRL. In both the Hull FC team and in the international team, he works tirelessly as a mentor for other young players, helping them to see what’s possible, whilst also being a voice for the future of PDRL.
For his incredible work, Corey has now been awarded the ‘Sporting Superstar’ at this year’s Yorkshire Children Courage Awards 2025. Held on October 10 in Leeds, the star-studded event raised a record- breaking total of over £100,000 with matching from St James’ Place and welcomed over 500 guests and celebrities.
This year’s event had a ‘Neon Jungle’ theme with guests treated to colourful and extravagant décor, spectacular entertainment and musical performances. Among the attendees were a host of familiar faces, including Leeds Rhinos’ Ash Hanley and Jamie Jones Buchanan; Coronation Street’s Natalie Anderson; Emmerdale actors Amy Walsh and Ash Palmisciano; and radio presenters Danny Mylo and Rosie Madison.
A spokesperson for the Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards said: “Corey is without doubt an inspiration to everyone that knows him. He has a positive attitude and believes he can achieve whatever he puts his mind to. To have achieved what he has at such a young age is quite remarkable and we fully believe he deserves recognition from his local community for the work that he does and the role model he has become.”
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Hosting the awards for the first time was award winning radio and sports presenter, Rich Williams. Joining him on stage, was Christine Talbot, who returned as co-host for the sixth consecutive year.
Commenting on the event, Williams said: “It has been an absolute honour to host the Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards for the first time. The courage and resilience shown by these young people is nothing short of inspiring. The room was filled with so much positivity and pride; it is a night I will never forget.”