Inspiring Doncaster child lands football contract with major club

At the age of 13-weeks-old Leo Sable was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, which is a severe lung condition.

But that hasn’t stopped him now at eight years old signing a contract with Rotherham Football Club’s Under 9s division.

Paul Sables, Leo’s father, said: “He never lets anything hold him back.

“He has surpassed all my expectations and I couldn’t be prouder.”

The father son duo from Balby have always loved football but it wasn’t until they joined the Little Messys group at Wheatley Hills when they realised that Leo had quite the talent.

“We started at the group because Leo needs to keep up his exercise and fitness due to his condition,” Paul said.

“But he consistently out runs the able-bodied children and he has thrived there.”

After he joined the Little Messys team it wasn’t long before big name teams started to notice little Leo’s passion.

He trained with the Doncaster Academy before Rotherham United Football Club invited him to trials.

After just four weeks they offered him a place on the Under Nines team and he has been playing football up and down the country ever since.

“He’s been recognised across the region as a marvel,” Paul continued.

“Last week he played three 25 minute games in a row and didn’t need to stop for a break once.

“He now plays as a mid fielder and trains six days a week.”

It hasn’t been an easy road for Leo as not only does he have to deal with Cystic Fibrosis he is also deaf and suffers from Type One Diabetes.

According to Paul exercise and fitness have been the number one way to help Leo and the effect that they have had on his health has been overwhelmingly positive.

“I want to say a big thank you to the Little Messys group,” Paul said.

“They took us on when others didn’t want to and now just look at how far Leo has come.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.