Young footballer suffers skate park brain injury

A community has come together to support a young footballer who suffered a traumatic brain injury.

13-year-old Oly, from Birmingham, fell over while playing at his local skate park on 13 February.

He was rushed to hospital where he remained unconscious for three days before waking up.

Oly is now in a high dependency unit, struggling with his speech and suffering from neurological complications, loved ones said.

Cadbury Athletic FC, a community club named after the famous confectionery company, launched a fundraising page to help support Oly and his parents while he recovers.

The youngster plays for its under-13s side and was described by coaches as vibrant and active.

A GoFundMe page said Oly may have to continue his recovery at a hospital in Surrey, something which would mean being away from his home, friends and family.

"The road ahead is unknown and will involve an extended period in hospital and a further period of time with a specialist team of doctors and physiotherapists," the club said.

The fundraising page added that Oly's parents Clair and Warren ran their own business.

"The operation of their business has been and will be drastically affected by Oly’s accident and his road to recovery," Cadbury Athletic FC added.

"We are trying to take away any additional load or stress on Oly’s family by creating a page to raise some funds to help towards Oly’s rehabilitation, vital treatment, recovery and supporting his family."

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