Ashley Blackburn needs help to get from the Hills to AC Milan

EVERY child deserves the chance to shine but Hills footballer Ashley Blackburn deserves his opportunity more than most.

Soccer kid

EVERY child deserves the chance to shine but Baulkham Hills footballer Ashley Blackburn deserves his opportunity more than most.

Three years ago the 16-year-old, with his football career on the rise, was suddenly crippled by a rare condition known as chronic compartment syndrome.

The debilitating pain in his legs left Ashley unable to walk, let alone run, and he faced the real prospect of never kicking a ball again.

"He went to a very dark place, he was so depressed, because he was in constant pain and for months and months they couldn't work out why," said Ashley's father Denis.

The Blackburn family spent thousands of dollars on expensive tests, treatments and specialists before a belated diagnosis led to surgery in July 2011.

For four months afterwards the Crestwood High School student was confined to crutches.

Then, slowly, Ashley took his first pain-free steps and in January last year he defied the odds and kicked a football again.

"From all that time I spent not being able to move I knew for sure what I wanted in life and that is to play professional football," Ashley said.

Still blessed with natural ability and a tireless work ethic, Ashley fought his way onto the Sydney University under-16 team and went on to play for the undefeated Australian Academy team at the 2012 Borneo Cup.

Capping off the incredible comeback, he has now been invited to play with an A.C Milan Academy team at a youth tournament in Italy in March.

For Ashley this is an opportunity to showcase his talents to representatives from some of the biggest clubs in Europe and a chance to realise his dreams of professional football.

Unfortunately the Blackburn family is unable to afford Ashley's flights as they are still paying off his significant medical bills.

They are now appealing to the Hills community for help.

"As a father you want to give your children every opportunity but given what we've gone through, we just can't afford it. It would be amazing if we could get enough sponsors to give Ashley the opportunity that he deserves." - Denis Blackburn.

Ashley Blackburn needs your help to get to Italy and play with the A.C Milan Academy team in March. He is looking for sponsors to cover his total costs of about $5000. If you are interested in lending your support, please email [e-mail].