OWEN Taylor's mum didn't think her lad would ever be able to play football with his mates after he was born with a club foot.

The eight-year-old had a cast fitted just six weeks after his birth, then wore different casts, splints and a special boot before an operation when he was five completed the process of straightening his right foot.

Three years on and Owen, from Chesterton, has become a junior football star.

The youngster has won the "most improved player" and "unsung hero" awards for his team, North Staffs Junior Youth League outfit Bradwell Bombers.

But just watching him play is reward enough for mum Sarah. She said: "I am so proud of him. When I think back, I never thought Owen would be able to play football. I can't believe how far he has come.

"The operation has opened so many doors for him and I am proud of what he has achieved. It is fantastic seeing what Owen is getting out of life."

Owen's enthusiasm for football rubbed off on his twin sister Paige, who plays for Bradwell Belles – and has just been recruited by one of Stoke City's girls' teams.

Owen, meanwhile, has been re-signed by Bradwell for next season and can't wait to get started again. Sarah added: "He perhaps wasn't as good as the others to start with, but he has improved 100 per cent.

"Playing football has lifted his confidence and done him so much good. He loves football and playing for Bradwell.

"Even if he's not well, he still wants to go to training or to watch his team play."

Owen's team manager Dave Simpson selected Owen as his team's most improved player and also nominated him for the unsung hero award, which covers all the 16 Bradwell teams, from under-sevens to adults.

He says Owen, a pupil at St Chad's Primary School in Chesterton, is a worthy winner.

"Owen has improved so much because of hard work and dedication," explained Simpson. "He also attends the Brazilian Soccer School to improve his game. His determination has been an inspiration to the team.

"He is an absolute joy to coach. Sometimes you get kids who think they know it all, but this little lad is fantastic. He deserves everything he gets.

"His family have also given him brilliant support. The kids can't drive themselves to games, but Owen is always there and I think our games have become a family outing."

Bradwell have 200 playing members, and such is the club's popularity that their end-of-season awards were held at the King's Hall in Stoke to accommodate 800 guests.

For more information about the club, go to www.bradwellbombersfc.co.uk.