A Crystal Palace defender bonded with a youngster over their shared love of music at a charity visit.

Joel Ward spent time with eight-year-old Troy as part of a visit to the Brit Unit to find out more about music therapy and how it has transformed the lives of youngsters.

Troy, a young boy with complex needs including autism and ADHD, benefits from individual sessions at the centre at the BRIT School in Croydon.

Nordoff Robbins, a music therapy charity dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable children and adults, invited the Palace defender to its base as part of a link-up with the club as its charity of the season.

Mr Ward, under the supervision of music therapist Bronwyn Tosh, was able to see first-hand the impact music therapy has on Troy at the session on Wednesday, March 18.

He said: “I think music therapy is just invaluable, it was great to see this different side of learning and to see Troy be able to express himself through music.”

All funds raised this season at the club will go towards supporting music therapy in the community. In particular, Crystal Palace FC will be supporting the charity’s work at the Andrew Lloyd Webber Unit, which is based a stone’s throw from Selhurst Park in the grounds of the BRIT School, and holding collections at games.

Phil Alexander, club chief executive, said: “As a club that’s proud through and through of being from south London, we are thrilled to support a local charity which does so much to help the residents in our community and transform lives through music.”