TALENTED Oliver Mulford is often underestimated by his opponents.

But the 17-year-old is refusing to let his rare growth condition stop his sporting dream and is using it to his advantage.

The Steventon teenager has chronic juvenile arthritis (CJA), a condition that has restricted his growth to 4ft 8in.

Yet the former St Birinus School pupil is now a member of the under-18 England pool team and ranked the county’s best youth team member.

Oliver, who hopes to get a job working with animals, said: “Pool is amazing, I love it. I have to play a little differently from other people, gameplay wise.”

He said of his condition: “I don’t really mind to be honest. I doesn’t really bother me.”

After making the squad last year, he will represent England in the EBA World and Masters Blackball Championships in Bridlington next month.

He was this year ranked the top county youth team under-18 and joins them in the National Youth Championships in West Sussex next month.

Mum Gill said: “It gets him out and allows him to achieve something. It is fantastic.

“He wouldn’t say he is proud of himself, but I know he is.”

The youngster left school aged 14 as he struggled with behaviour problems and was picked on, she said. “It has been very difficult for him. He has struggled to mix with his peers.

“Because the pool teams are under-18s it is a huge part of his social development.”

Oliver was diagnosed with inflammatory disease sarcoidosis after he felt pain when he started walking and later developed CJA. The condition mainly affects his knees and feet.

At the time, he was only the 19th UK child to be diagnosed with sarcoidosis.

Mrs Mulford said: “It is not too bad but if he over-exerts himself he suffers. He has days when he is in pain with his joints.”

Yet this has not hampered his love of pool, which began as soon as he could sit upright to play on a child’s table, she said.

Oliver, of The Causeway, is now a regular at the Steventon Sports and Social Club.

Steventon club captain Jamie Brown said: “Opponents think he will be a pushover. But he is amazing, he is a brilliant player and an asset to the team.

“His height has given him a little advantage because he is lower and closer to the table to judge the angle of the ball.”

To sponsor Oliver, to help him attend championships, visit olivermulford.moonfruit.com or call Mrs Mulford on 07891 441885.