A REDDITCH schoolboy who lives with autism has overcome a difficult year to be crowned young player of the season at his football club.

Ash Fenton, aged 14, was awarded Player of the Season at Redditch Borough Football Club’s annual presentation ceremony on Saturday, July 31.

The Arrow Valley pupil is autistic and struggled for years to find a place on a football team.

The past year has been particularly difficult for the avid Aston Villa fan as he has been rocked by close bereavements and his autism meant he struggled to understand the change of routine caused by the coronavirus lockdowns.

Ash’s proud mum Amanda said she was delighted with her son’s achievement, which comes after he struggled to find a place on a football team before finding success at Redditch Borough Football Club.

The youngster originally played for the girl’s team and later the Sunday boys’ team, before being signed for the Saturday team and playing with the Midland Junior Premier League.

Amanda Fenton said: “He’s football mad, he has always had a football at his feet. We are so proud to see Ash gain this achievement. It’s been a tough ride but as an old friend once said, ‘he put can’t in his pocket and pulled out try’. Well done Ash.”

Amanda and her husband Matt saw their son pick up his trophy last weekend.

Family friend Alicia Way, who was also at the ceremony, said: “We knew he would get a participation medal so when Julian said he was player of the season, we were shell shocked. For Ash to win is really inspiring for parents who have autistic children as it shows that they can achieve anything.”

Ash’s proud mum said she was delighted with her son’s achievement as he has not let his autism hold him back from following his passion for football.

Ash’s manager Julian Workman added: “He’s come on leaps and bounds and gone from strength to strength.

“He fully deserves the award, he has put in a lot of hard work and effort.”