Matt Crossen, a die-hard Middlesbrough fan and former semi-professional footballer, had his life take an unexpected turn when he suffered a stroke that dramatically altered the course of his career. While he may not remember the exact moment it happened, the aftermath of the stroke left an indelible mark on his life. Stripped of the ability to walk, read, or write, one thing remained clear in his mind as he lay in the hospital – his unwavering determination to get back to playing football.
Fast forward a decade, and Matt Crossen, now 34 years old, not only overcame the physical challenges but also the mental hurdles that came with his condition. He is now the captain of England’s cerebral palsy football team, a testament to his remarkable journey of transformation.
The physical impact of the stroke, which left him with lingering pins and needles on his left side, was just one part of his story. The other half was the mental battle he waged, transitioning from a highly rated young footballer with dreams of going pro to embracing his status as a Para-athlete.
Crossen’s journey took him to the pinnacle of the ‘para’ game, where he faced various impairments ranging from partial sight to cerebral palsy. This shift in identity was not without its challenges, but Crossen persevered, driven by a singular goal – to represent his country and win the European Championship.
Picture this: it’s a crucial knockout match in the cerebral palsy Euros final in Sicily. The stakes are high, but there’s a unique twist – England fields only seven players, in accordance with the rules of the game designed to accommodate athletes with neurological impairments. Matt Crossen, the team’s captain for the past six years, thrives in this high-pressure environment.
Crossen’s perspective on pressure is shaped by his own painful experience. A decade ago, at the young age of 23, he suffered a stroke that paralyzed the left side of his body. His journey to recovery was arduous, including learning to walk, read, and write all over again. But remarkably, just a month and a half later, he was back in the gym, preparing to return to the game he loved.
His unwavering focus on football during his recovery paid off when he caught the attention of the head of England’s Para-football team, who offered him a trial. A year after his stroke, Crossen was representing his country on the international stage, but the mental battle continued.
The transition from a semi-professional career to Para-football wasn’t easy. Crossen’s worries about fitting in and being good enough were shared by many players who had experienced a similar shift in identity. Dr. Jamie Barker, England’s Para-football psychologist, explains that such transitions can have long-term effects on a player’s state of mind.
For some, accepting a new identity as a Para-athlete can be challenging. Players might struggle with a sense of incongruence between who they were before and who they’ve become. However, there’s a positive shift happening, with more players proudly embracing their status as Para-athletes.
England’s Para-football culture is evolving too. Concerns raised by players in 2020 led to significant changes in the environment, fostering a more open and supportive atmosphere. Initiatives like player representative groups and multi-squad camps have helped players from different impairment categories connect and share their experiences.
Behind this cultural shift is a dedicated backroom team, including Dr. Barker, who provides vital support to players. During England’s campaign in Sicily, personalized highlight reels and positive voice notes boosted players’ confidence.
While the journey ultimately ended in disappointment with a loss to Ukraine in the cerebral palsy Euros final, Matt Crossen remains grateful for the opportunity to play international football. His stroke may have taken away a portion of his footballing abilities, but it couldn’t diminish his determination and resilience. He shares his story as a beacon of hope for young players with cerebral palsy or similar challenges, encouraging them to embrace what they have and work towards their dreams.
In the end, Crossen’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and a reminder that sometimes, the biggest challenges in life can lead to the most remarkable successes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Resilience
Q: Who is Matt Crossen, and what is his story?
A: Matt Crossen is a former semi-professional footballer and the current captain of England’s cerebral palsy football team. His inspiring journey involves overcoming a stroke that left him with physical and mental challenges, ultimately leading to his success as a Para-athlete.
Q: What motivated Matt Crossen to return to football after suffering a stroke?
A: Despite the physical and emotional toll of his stroke, Matt Crossen’s unwavering passion for football drove him to make a remarkable recovery and return to the sport he loved.
Q: How has Matt Crossen transitioned from a semi-professional career to Para-athlete status?
A: Matt Crossen’s transition was not without its difficulties. Like many athletes in similar situations, he faced challenges related to his changing identity and the mental hurdles associated with the shift.
Q: What role does Dr. Jamie Barker play in England’s Para-football program?
A: Dr. Jamie Barker is England’s Para-football psychologist, providing vital support to players as they navigate the mental aspects of their journey, including the transition to Para-athlete status.
Q: How has England’s Para-football culture evolved over time?
A: England’s Para-football culture has seen positive changes, with initiatives like player representative groups and multi-squad camps fostering a more open and supportive environment for players from different impairment categories.
Q: What message does Matt Crossen share with young players facing similar challenges?
A: Matt Crossen’s message to young players with cerebral palsy or similar challenges is one of hope and determination. He encourages them to embrace their abilities, work with what they have, and pursue their dreams with resilience and passion.
More about Resilience
- Matt Crossen on Twitter
- Cerebral Palsy Sport
- England’s Para Football
- Dr. Jamie Barker – Sports Psychologist
- Catherine Gilby – FA’s Head of Para Performance
- Cerebral Palsy International Standings
- England’s Cerebral Palsy Football Team
2 comments
Matt Crossen’s journey’s jus, wow. Stroke, recovery, captan of Englands cerebral palsy team. #Respect
Dr. Jamie Barker helpd Matt n othr playrs wif mental struggles. imporant role for sportspersons.