Raymond Ellery has had to overcome life-threatening brain injuries and abusive bullying, but the Mandurah soccer prodigy will represent WA on the international stage when he plays in the Singa Cup in November.
At just five-years-old, Ellery suffered a stroke after he was assaulted by another child in his kindergarten class. He was rushed to Peel Health Campus where it was discovered his skull had been pushed onto his brain.
The assault was followed by many others in the schoolyard, which led to him suffering brain spiking episodes, blood clots and skull misplacement.
Ellery was told by a specialist at Princess Margaret Hospital the brain clots had the potential to rupture, which would be fatal.
The injuries meant Ellery, an eager sportsman, was unable to compete in most sports as a child.
“It was tough growing up sometimes – other kids would tease me because I couldn’t play sport and I really loved it,” he said.
“But I had to just push through, and keep on getting better.”
He also suffered post-traumatic stress disorder and depressive anxiety.
Ellery’s mother took him to a remedial therapist, Dr Stan Bathgate, who miraculously shifted his skull plate back into position.
Dr Bathgate continued to work on Ellery, continuously mending the skull plate as he grew until the age of sixteen.
Ellery was visiting specialists and being treated for his injuries up to four times a week.
“It was kind of annoying more than it was sad in a way. I just wanted to play sport, but it was never a possibility,” he said.
As his disabilities began to heal, Ellery was able to participate in sport wearing a specialised helmet and making sure no head-on contact was possible.
After being denied participation by a number of sporting clubs in the area due to his dangerous condition, Ellery found his niche in soccer.
Although he was unable to headbutt the ball, he developed more skills using his chest and picked up a number of awards.
Now, at 17-years-old, Ellery will represent WA internationally and is on the cusp of being recruited to an American college soccer program through National Scouting Report, an organisation designed to help student athletes reach new levels.
He plays his local level soccer with the Southern Sharks.
“At a time it looked like I’d never be able to play sport, so I’m really proud of how far I’ve been able to come,” Ellery said.
“I don’t want to say there’s a cockiness to it, but it’s great to be able to just play sport now and focus on becoming a better athlete.”
Ellery is currently fundraising his way to Singapore for the Singa Cup. Donations can be made through his GoFundMe page at gofundme.com/yx62tq4g
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
