A junior football club from County Down has shared the recovery of a young player who was hospitalised with a serious injury last year as a reminder to parents and kids to "enjoy the game whilst you can".
Banbridge Rangers shared the story of youth player Charlie Magill who suffered a freak injury while playing on a bouncy castle.
Charlie spent weeks in hospital receiving treatment after his skull had detached from his spine and his top two vertebrae were twisted 60 degrees.
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The youngster's parents were told Charlie was close to being in a wheelchair and that his injuries could take years to recover.
Thankfully Charlie enjoyed a full recovery and was released from hospital on May 17, 2022. And within four months he had returned to playing the sport he loves.
Banbridge Rangers believe Charlie's story is a reminder to everyone that there is "more to football than just winning".
Entitled 'A bit of perspective', the club posted: "Amongst the end of season football tournaments and awards it is good to sometimes look at the broader context and know that there is more to football than just winning...
"This day last year (17th May) Banbridge Rangers youth team player Charlie Magill got released from the Royal Victoria Hospital where he had spent the previous few weeks recovering after a freak accident on a bouncy castle! Long story short - Charlie's skull had came off his spine and his top two vertebraes were twisted 60°.
"Charlie's parents were told that he was close to being in a wheelchair, if not worse and it could take years to recover. One of the first things Charlie's Dad Stuart thought about was that he wouldn't be play his favourite sport again and play any more football matches.
"Thankfully though with the help of a body cast for a few months his recovery was quick. His neck healed the way the spinal specialist had hoped and it was only four months of a total recovery time and he was back playing the sport he loves in September.
"Charlie's favourite time of the year is when his team gets to compete in tournaments during the summer months. After missing all of these last year Charlie was just glad to be back when his 2014s team attended the Portadown tournament last weekend.
"They may not have won due to a penalty shootout but for Charlie, just being there is as good of a feeling as anything. As the tournament season starts to ramp up it is maybe worth a bit of context for parents and players to just enjoy the game whilst they can.
"Football is enjoyed most when playing with friends, family, school mates or people from your area. Cherish it."
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