A BRADFORD dad has spoken of his shock after finding out his football-mad son required an operation to prevent him from becoming disabled.
Schoolboy Sebastian Zina, eight, who plays for Bradford City's academy after spells at both Manchester clubs, discovered his left leg was shorter than his right during the lockdown in 2020.
Doctors said his leg needed to be broken, so it could then be lengthened in a metal frame.
"We were told as he got older it would start having a more pronounced effect on him," father Matt Zina, of Idle, said.
"The bottom of his leg had just stopped growing so he would have ended up disabled if we had not done something.
"The consultant said Seb would need a procedure to break his leg. His leg would then be in a frame for six months.
"We are just so fortunate that he could have the op."
Seb was diagnosed with a rare condition known as Fibular Hemimelia.
The Thackley Primary School pupil was put under anaesthetic during a two-hour operation that took place last Friday at Leeds General Infirmary.
"The operation went really well," Matt added.
"It was tough for him. He took his first steps since the op this (Monday) morning.
"As parents, we have just tried to keep him going. We try to focus on the thing we can control.
"We wanted to explore other things that interest him."
That has led to the creation of his own YouTube channel which the family hopes can inspire other children.
'Sebby's Footy Diary' documents the ups and downs of life as a young grassroots footballer.
Matt said: "It has allowed him to focus on something and give him a purpose.
"He has done a bit of acting before and he has a great personality.
"We hope it inspires other children to overcome bad times."
The family are really thankful to Seb's teams Baildon Dynamos FC, Fisical Academy and Bradford City for the support they have received.
The youngster is maintaining a positive mindset as he aims to continue his football journey once his recovery is complete.
"He has gone through some dark moments but he is keeping positive," Matt said.
"It is really nice to see everybody come together to help him.
"Everyone knows the chances are minimal to become a footballer but he will give it his best shot.
"I know whatever Seb ends up doing he is going to be successful because of his personality and resilience."
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