For a very lucky few, cricket is a career. For millions it's a passion. And for some, it's a lifeline and an inspiration.
That's very much the case for Albie Bryant-Howe. Albie was born with Talipes, a life-altering disability that means the feet grow inwards and downward, and affects one in 1000 births.
"Alb was born with a condition called Talipes (club foot), both of his feet were turned completely inwards when he was born. He required surgery to loosen his Achilles tendon." explained his Dad, Adam.
"He then spent six months with his legs in plaster to manipulate his feet into position. He had to sleep with some special boots and bars on (think of a more advanced version of a young Forrest Gump) up to his fourth birthday. At one stage I was told he may not be able to run or play sport like other kids."
That's not a sentence you want to hear about your own child. For Albie though, his inner strength was about to shine through.
"Luckily, he fell in love with cricket at around 5 after watching some of the IPL" his Dad continued. "He was then hooked and decided he wanted to be a wicketkeeper, typically the one positions where you need the most leg strength. He participated in the soft ball ECB programs All Stars and Dynamos and found himself playing hardball cricket when he was 8."
From being told he may not be able to run, to playing hardball cricket was an incredible turnaround, but for Albie it was just the beginning.
"The following season he played for Walsham Le Willows U11 and U13 teams aged 9, keeping wicket and opening the batting in both teams. He was lucky enough to win U11/13 player of the year and made his Suffolk debut against Essex.
"The 2023 season saw Alb play for the U11 and U13s once more, finishing the U11 season with an average of 143. He also represented Suffolk in all their fixtures and got selected to go to the Malvern Cricket Festival, keeping over 100 overs in three days with his trusty Gray-Nicolls gloves.
"Needless to say, he has worked very hard to build strength in his legs to be able to play at the level his does, sometimes I wish he would put as much effort into his schoolwork!!"
We continue to wish Albie every success in his cricket journey, and we'll update on his progress every summer.
