'Being able to play football again is just amazing'
BBCA teenager who began playing frame football after an osteosarcoma diagnosis says being able to play the sport again is "just amazing".
Harley was 12 when he was diagnosed, and was left partially paralysed after surgery but was not suited to amputee or powerchair football.
Now 15, Harley is encouraging others with similar disabilities to join a team set up by his mum, Donna and play regularly at Holmleigh Park Sports Centre in Tuffley, Gloucester.
"We're very lucky in that we've got some great funding from Sport England, funded by National Lottery; we've got the sports hall paid for so there's no cost to our participants," Donna said.
Donna is a coach for Quedgeley Wanderers, and first became aware of frame football after seeing a poster at Bristol Children's Hospital, while visiting with Harley.
The team in Bristol allowed Harley to come along, but Donna had the idea to set one up back home in Gloucester.
With the help of Quedgeley Wanderers, she was able to secure funding for the sessions, but she said she is "struggling to find more young people who want to play the sport".
Harley has been playing frame football for two years.
"At first, it felt a bit odd and strange because I just used to play normally but once I got used to being in the frame, it got so much easier," Harley said.
"I've been playing since I was five and to bring [my skills] into this has been a massive help."
Harley said it is nice to play the sport with Jake but it can be "a bit boring" when it is just the two of them, so he wants more people to get involved.
Martine, Jake's mum, said the sessions are great for Jake to not only play football, but be part of something.
"The fact he's able to come along and be treated as a team member, have a nice football kit, have the chance to take part in a tournament is amazing for Jake," she said.
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