Emotional video surfaces as Declan Thompson makes his Sheffield Wednesday debut
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The 18-year-old defender has an inspirational story having spent his early life in a wheelchair after being diagnosed with Perthes Disease – a rare childhood condition that affects the hips – with his professional debut in the FA Cup possibly meaning a little bit more to him than others.
For his father, Lee, it was understandably a proud moment, and Stocksbridge Park Steels shared a heart-warming video of their assistant watching his lad come on during the Owls’ 2-0 win at St James Park.
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Hide AdThompson signed his first professional contract at Hillsborough last year, and having moved up the ranks from the U18s, into the U23s and now the first team, the full back is well and truly on the ladder – a remarkable achievement given what he’s been through.
Last year, speaking to Non-League Yorkshire, Thompson senior said, “I know he’s my son, but he has a bright future. Wherever it is I think he has a long career in football ahead of him. The amount of kids who make it pro at the highest level is minimal, but if he doesn’t make it at Sheffield Wednesday I’m sure he’ll have a career somewhere else.”
The teenager was one of three to make their Owls debuts today, alongside Ryan Galvin and Isaac Rice, with the trio no doubt ecstatic to make a winning start their their careers in the professional game.
All of them will now be looking to kick on after their first appearances, and can take heart from the recent rise of their teammate, Liam Shaw.
