Leeds football ace '˜may never play again'

Jamie Underdown, 20, was struck by the tackle earlier this month while representing Thackley AFC.

The incident, which came during a game against Hemsworth MW, left the talented winger with a severed anterior cruciate ligament, a dislocated kneecap and a ruptured posterior cruciate ligament.

He will now have to use a wheelchair for at least the next year as he continues his rehabilitation and doctors have said it is unlikely he will play football again.

Jamie, who lives with his mum Sarah and younger brothers Kieran, 17, and Mason, nine, on Digpal Road, Morley, has already had one operation and needs another in the new year

Miss Underdown said: “Jamie’s now out of hospital but he’s going to be immobile for at least 18 months.

“He used to be some outgoing, social and mobile but now he feels like he can’t do anything.

“He was so dedicated to football - it was his life.

“When he watches football now on the TV, he is crying all the time and it’s heartbreaking to see.”

Jamie has also had to give up his relatively new job at Flannels in Leeds this summer.

Miss Underdown added: “He’d only been working there a few months but really enjoyed it. It’s been devastating.”

A JustGiving page to donate towards Jamie’s care costs has been set up. To donate, visit bit.ly/2hU588d.