Teen from Thetford has stroke hours after playing football

Austin Dale, a goalkeeper, was taken off at half-time during the game and collapsed later at home.

The teen from Thetford was taken to hospital where it was discovered he had suffered a stroke.

He is now recovering in Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge.

Austin, who plays for Thetford Bulldogs Football Club under-13s, has been left paralysed on his right side and is having to relearn how to speak.

Austin is a big Norwich city fan (Image: Marie Dale)

His mother, Marie Dale, said: "We thought it might be a concussion, we never thought a stroke would be a possibility.

"It will be a long process, could be weeks or months.

"It's so out of the blue for a 13-year-old who's so fit and active.

"He loves all sports - combat karate, running, biking.

"And he's so thoughtful. He's full-on and known for helping out - he volunteers at his football club and has a paper round."

An estimated 400 children a year in the UK suffer from a stroke according to the Stroke Association.

He had been playing football the day he had a stroke (Image: Marie Dale)

To help raise Austin's spirits, his mum is asking football clubs big and small to send him a card.

"We've been so overwhelmed by the response, we've had so many people reaching out," she said.

"I really didn't think it would go that far.

"We just want to get him well and back to his old, smiley self."

The family have already been contacted by Norwich City goalkeeper Tim Krul and Thetford-born Ian Henderson, who plays for Rochdale FC.

Austin and his family (including his mum Marie (centre)) at a NCFC match (Image: Marie Dale)

Football clubs wanting to send a card to Austin are asked to address them to Pine Close Community Centre, Pine Close, Thetford, IP24 3LA.

Chairman of Thetford Bulldogs FC Ed Sheridan said: "The club were shocked to hear what has happened.

"We are a close family club and Austin over the years has been very supportive in the club, helping out at events and maintaining the pitches most summers.

"The club gives his family all our love and support at this time."

Austin is currently in Addenbrooke's Hospital (Image: Marie Dale)

Signs of a stroke and how children's symptoms differ

Strokes in children are often associated with existing conditions, most commonly congenital heart disease and sickle cell disease, but they can also be caused by infectious diseases, trauma to the head or neck, and blood disorders.

Around 400 children have a stroke every year in the UK.

Strokes can affect previously healthy children and in some cases, there can be no apparent cause.

The main symptoms of a stroke can be remembered with FAST.

Face – may have dropped on one side. They may not be able to smile, their mouth or eye may have dropped.

Arms – they may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in one arm.

Speech – may be slurred or the person may not be able to talk at all. They may also have problems understanding what you're saying to them.

Time – to dial 999 if you see any of these symptoms.

FAST can be used to identify strokes in children but they may also get sudden headaches, seizures, sudden vertigo or dizziness, loss of consciousness and sudden blurred vision.