Brentford F.C. super-fan Woody O'Rourke received an unexpected gift from England under-21 football player Max Aarons on Saturday, in a heartwarming moment that has since gone viral.

Woody, who has down syndrome, shot to football fame in September after a photo of him and Brentford manager Thomas Frank embracing was widely shared on social media.

On Saturday a video of the youngster meeting Max was viewed by thousands as the Norwich defender unexpectedly took off his match boots and signed them for Woody.

The gesture came after his team's victory over their hosts at the Brentford Community Stadium, with Norwich winning 2-1 against the Bees.

Max and Woody's heartwarming moment after the match was caught on camera and shared to Twitter where it gained over 280,000 views.

Former England defender and pundit Rio Ferdinand retweeted the video with the comment "Unreal scenes! Classy @maxaarons2."

Woody's mother Natalie O'Rourke, who runs the award-winning charity Park Lane Stables RDA, praised Max for his interaction with the 9-year-old who is nonverbal and lost most of his hair over the pandemic.

She told Nub News about the impact of Brentford F.C.'s support for Woody and how becoming a football fan there has changed his life.

Speaking about Saturday's events, Natalie explained that she and Woody go to all of Brentford's games and are always the last to leave.

That afternoon Woody had mainly wanted a cuddle from Max but the 21-year-old kindly asked the youngster "would you like my boots?" then took them off and signed each one, to the youngster's delight. He then gave Woody "a big old cuddle."

"Out of all the away players, Norwich were the friendliest," Natalie added. "Even though we're not their football home, they still embraced the Brentford fans."

The mum of two added that she was particularly struck by the sensitivity of players like Max towards Woody as "some people shy away from him. But they make the effort to spend time with him."

Brentford players are also "so good" with the 9-year-old, adding that left-back Rico Henry gave the youngster his shirt after Saturday's game.

Woody has been going to Brentford matches for four years after he was rejected from a local football team.

While his online fame means he is now recognised at matches, he has also made lasting friends his own age through being a fan of the team.

"It's not easy to make friends having no hair and no speech, but they just love him for who he is," said Natalie.

"For me, this is massive. When I'm not there, he will be okay - because of Brentford.

"We are really grateful to the club. It has changed his life."

Natalie recently took riders from Park Lane Stables along to a Brentford match and says the the club is "very aware" of disability, for example putting on a quiet room for people with sensory overload and offering accessible tickets.

"When Woody has a meltdown they have stopped and helped me," she added.

Other football clubs they've been to, including Wolves and Aston Villa, have been similarly understanding.

Natalie said that while she can't speak for all fans, in her experience the sport has become more accessible.

She is also keen to counter negative stereotypes of supporters, emphasising "football is for everyone."

Brentford may be on a losing streak, including Saturday's match against Norwich but for Natalie and Woody every trip to the stadium brings joy.

"We have lost quite a few recently, but he still loves it," she said. And Saturday? Just "another magical day at Brentford!"

Watch the video of Woody and Max HERE.