THE TRAGEDY of a life-changing brain injury has failed to deter Charlie Fogarty who is set to wear the Northern Ireland jersey once again at next month’s Cerebral Palsy Football World Championship.
The 19-year-old, who is the son of Mark Fogarty head of youth development at Solihull Moors, had played for Birmingham City Academy and Northern Ireland at various levels before he was hit by a car four years ago.
He sustained a severe brain injury and was in a coma for four months.
But soon enough Fogarty learn to walk, talk, dress and eat again before being sent to the Children’s Trust in Surrey for six months rehabilitation.
It was there that his amazing determination allowed Fogarty to continue his road to recovery and only last year he was nominated for the Pride of Birmingham Awards.
His overriding ambition during this time was that he would one day represent Great Britain in the Paralympics and his selection for the Northern Ireland squad at the Cerebral Palsy World Championship is a major step along this path.
The tournament is held from June 16-29 at St Georges Park in Burton-on-Trent.
Fogarty will fly over to Belfast to train with his team mates before Northern Ireland face Russia, Canada, Australia, Holland, Portugal and Argentina in Group B.
If they progress a mouth-watering prospect of facing England or Brazil awaits.
“Charlie’s severe brain injury and subsequent disabilities led me to want to learn as much as I could about disabled sport,” said dad Mark.
“We as a team at Moors have done some qualifications and developed a dynamic disability section ready to play in the Ability Counts League next season.
“I recognised that their were so many kids and adults alike out there who love football as much as anyone else and therefore we needed to make it happen for them.”
Next season Fogarty is set to play for Solihull Moors in the Birmingham FA’s Ability Counts League (Open Age Group).
For more information or to follow Fogarty’s progress at the Cerebral Palsy Football World Championship visit cp2015.com.
