Why Local Sports Star nominee Jayden’s an inspiring youngster

IT takes a really brave and sports-loving person to cope with what Jayden Brown goes through each time he laces up for his favourite sports.

Jayden Brown plays for Kellyville United and is among the top goalscorers. Pictures: Peter Kelly

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IT TAKES a really brave and sports-loving person to cope with what Jayden Brown goes through each time he laces up for his favourite sports.

The Ponds youngster has a rare and very painful skin condition, epidermolysis bullosa, and needs loads of bandages, needles and cream just to get through.

But Jayden won’t even dream of giving up football — he started playing when he was three — and is braving the pain and trying to be an inspiration for others who have to contend with similar tough decisions.

Jayden Brown braves pain to play football.

Jayden, who turns 10 in August, is our nominee for Young Sporting Spirit Individual Award because of his amazing commitment and being the voice for people in his shoes.

“Sometimes it gets very sore and I find it hard to run because I have blisters on my feet,” said Jayden, who broke his leg in a tackle last year.

“Mum and dad use needles, bandages and creams to help me manage the pain.

“I push through the pain because I love playing soccer and I want my team to win.

Jayden Brown won’t let the pain stop him from playing football.

“Sometimes I wanted to give up when my blisters are really sore or my feet are tender — it’s the hardest, so I might just play half a game.

“Other times I will just keep playing through and after the game I will go home and soak my feet in cold water to ease the pain and pressure on my feet.”

Jayden’s condition makes his skin very sensitive and he and his brother get it from their Dad Brenden.

Jayden is also an athlete and basketballer but it’s in football where he excels, with his best being a remarkable seven goals in one game for The Ponds FC which won 17-2 in their age group.

Jayden Brown has ambitions of playing professional football.

“I just want to be the best player I can be,” the Pacific Hills Christian School student said.

“I also think I am brave because my mum and dad encourage me and my whole family support me, so I want to keep playing through my pain.

“I would like to inspire other kids who suffer from a disability to try to play sport with their friends.

Jayden Brown is an inspiring youngster.

“I think if I am having fun with my friends and if other children see my enjoyment they will want to try it, and if they are sore or feeling like they can’t then maybe it will give them hope and strength to play.”

His pain has not stopped him from having an ambition to play for Tottenham Hotspur and Australia. He has completed the Tottenham Hotspurs International player development program and a clinic with Real Madrid in Sydney.

He presents his school in both indoor and outdoor football and also plays for Kellyville United FC and Mountain Majik Under 9’s.

The awards are sponsored by rebel, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Rooty Hill RSL, SportsTG and Your Local Club.

■ To nominate someone or find out more about the program visit: localsportsstars.com.au

■ The Local Sports Stars program is searching for outstanding athletes aged under 18, as well as those that love and contribute to making sport a great experience for everyone.

■ We also want to celebrate the parents, coaches and volunteers that help make it all possible.

■ There are five categories to nominate people in: Junior Sports Star Individual, Junior Sports Star Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual, Young Sporting Star Team and Service to Sport.

■ The awards are sponsored by rebel, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Rooty Hill RSL, SportsTG and Your Local Club.

■ To nominate someone or find out more about the program visit: localsportsstars.com.au