George Fletcher, who plays for Everton Disability Football Team and CP North West FC scored a hat-trick as Great Britain's seven-a-side cerebral palsy team won their first game at this year's BT Paralympic World Cup with a 7-0 victory over the USA at the Manchester Regional Arena.
The 17 year old scouser from Croxteth was inspired by meeting the senior England squad earlier. As an Evertonian, George was especially pleased to meet Leighton Baines.
George pulled off his shirt in celebration after scoring the goals, which earned him a booking, but was all smiles after the game.
GB coach Lyndon Lynch said: "There were good goals, with lots of people contributing, and it was a great hat-trick from George Fletcher.
"What is pleasing me about him is that he is an FT5 player, so he is affected by cerebral palsy on both sides, but it doesn't stop his 110% endeavour on the pitch and he is not short of technique and talent either.
"Playing in front of a big crowd at a stadium like this doesn't faze him. Despite his age, he is a very confident young man and you saw that with the way he took his hat-trick today."
George said: "Scoring the hat-trick feels phenomenal. I got a booking, but when are you ever again going to get a chance to score a hat-trick at an amazing place like this on a beautiful day in front of a great crowd?
"Meeting the England team was a great opportunity just before the game and it built our spirits. I'm an Everton fan, so shaking Leighton Baines' hand was great."
The BT Paralympic World Cup is taking place in Manchester from 22-26 May with elite international athletes competing in Athletics, Football 7-aside and Wheelchair Basketball. Go to www.btparalympicworldcup.com for tickets and more information
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