Two years ago Jake Brown had never heard of CP football, but a lot can change in 24 months.
Today the teenager from Barrow-in-Furness is an England international starring at the Cerebral Palsy World Championships, which are taking place at St. George's Park.
Brown has had Cerebral Palsy – a condition that affects coordination and balance – since birth, however, he was adamant it would never prevent him from doing what he wanted to do.
England v Ukraine
Cerebral Palsy World Championships
Group phase
5pm, Saturday 20 June
Live on TheFA.com
“I’ve always wanted to be no different to anyone else,” he explained. “If I was challenged or somebody thought I couldn't do something because of my CP, I always try and find a way of doing it.
“For example, I never used to be able to ride a bike. I used to struggle, but I always found a way around it.
"When I passed my driving test everybody wanted me to get an automatic car, but I said I didn’t want to. I wanted a manual.
“It might take me a bit longer to do things sometimes than other people, but I think it makes me more of a determined person. I never want to use it as a barrier.”
It would be patronising to say Brown’s attitude to life is commendable.
His attitude is that of someone who views himself as no different to anyone else. And he is not.
Jake Brown nets against Japan for England CP
When you sit down with Baker you are sitting down with a confident, articulate and driven young man – focused on becoming the best he can be in everything he turns his hand to.
“Even as a kid, I would always want to do things,” he continued.
“If I couldn’t do certain things to the same standards as my friends, it didn’t matter.
“I was determined not to miss out on anything and gave everything my best shot. By doing that I’m sure I surprised a few people.”
Currently studying his for AAT accountancy qualifications – aside from table tennis, at which he claims to be something of a dab hand – his other main focus is football.
As in every other aspect of his life, he approaches it without giving his CP a second thought.
Jake Brown says he intends to savour every moment of his CP experience
“I’ve always played mainstream football, since I was four years old. I didn’t want anyone to view my CP as a barrier, and I certainly didn’t do that myself,” he continued.
So what happened when he received a phone call from England CP scout Tony Elliot, asking him to come for a trial.
“At first I wasn’t sure. I was wondering what the standard would be like and thinking it might be quite poor. But I couldn’t have been more wrong.”
A trial followed, and a stint at a St. George’s Park training camp. And he was in.
“I have never looked back,” he said. “The standard was really high, it shocked me as to how good they were. And then they asked me if I would like to go with them to play in San Diego to play USA. I said ‘YES’.
“As soppy as it sounds, it really did touch me right in the heart.”
Jake Brown England CP
“It was my first trip and I knew I just wanted to be a part of it. Ever since then I’ve been a part of this fantastic squad, with these amazing players.”
Fast-forward 18 months and Brown is very much part of it. He is a key member of Keith Webb’s England team in the midst of a home World Championship.
He was a key performer in the stunning 14-0 opening day victory against Japan, and got his name on the scoresheet twice.
For someone who knew nothing of the sport two years ago, it is an occasion something he is determined to savour every moment of.
“To say two years ago I didn’t know about the sport – and then to be representing your country as the home nation at probably the biggest World Championships there’s ever been. It's just incredible,” he added.
“Walking onto the pitch with the music blaring, the crowd cheering.
“As soppy as it sounds, it really did touch me right in the heart.”
Next up for Brown and England CP are Ukraine on Saturday at 5pm. The game will streamed live on TheFA.com.
