CHARLIE Fogarty has received a second call-up from Northern Ireland after being asked to represent the country’s cerebral palsy squad for two home matches next month.
The 19-year-old, who plays and coaches Solihull Moors’ adult disable side, had looked to be heading for a promising football career after making his way through Birmingham City’s youth academy and he also represented Northern Ireland at various age levels.
But Charlie, who qualifies for Northern Ireland through his grandfather, suffered a severe brain injury following a tragic car accident and was left in a coma for four months.
He was forced to learn how to walk, talk, dress and eat after waking up and was sent to the Children’s Trust in Surrey for six months rehabilitation.
Charlie’s amazing determination has seen him make a recovery and now the young footballer is off training with the Northern Ireland again and will represent them for the home internationals against Scotland on February 20 and 21 in Belfast.
It is not the first time Charlie has represented the Northern Irish cerebral palsy team after being in the squad for the World Championship in June last year, which were held at St Georges Park.
Charlie’s road to recovery has not gone unnoticed and he was nominated for the Pride of Birmingham Awards in 2014, while last October he received the
Inspirational Young Person of the Year award from the Mayor of Solihull.
