A YOUNG footballer born with cerebral palsy is close to achieving his dream of representing England.
Jack Fox-Hockney, 15, has been playing the beautiful game all of his life, despite his disability.
Now, he has earned a place in the England development squad, which means he is only one step away from making the first team of the England U19 Cerebral Palsy squad.
Jack's father Darren, 43, said his son was "an inspiration" for other teenagers suffering from the condition, which affects movement, posture and co-ordination.
Darren, of Park Avenue, west Hull, said: "I'm really proud of Jack.
"He is showing just how much kids with cerebral palsy can achieve.
"He's been playing football ever since he could kick a ball and he's a really, really good player."
Jack, a student at Kelvin Hall Secondary School, was selected to play for England's development squad after a trial at St George's Park in London. He will find out in a few weeks whether he has made the first team.
Darren, also a keen footballer, said: "Jack is really hoping to be chosen as one of the final 15.
"His talent has taken him so far already and he has loved training with the development squad."
Jack, who has played football since he was four, keeps himself fit and active.
As well as his England commitments, he trains with Yorkshire's U16 Cerebral Palsy squad, Hull's Springhead Football Club and his school team.
He also does daily exercises to help his chronic condition, including running, stretches and press-ups.
Darren said: "The cerebral palsy affects the left-hand-side of Jack's body.
"It causes him to go up on his tiptoes a bit and makes him stiff down his side and in his hand and leg.
"But he takes the condition in his stride and just gets on with it.
"I don't think a lot of the kids at his school even know he's got it – and once he's on the pitch, you can't tell at all."
But talented Jack has competition – his sister Ella also plays football and is a strong player in Hull's U16 development squad.
