A Short Film on Danny Smuts’ Road to Recovery
As Danny Smuts of FC Heat Elite comes off a spinal stroke from last year, the story of his recover remains unknown to many in the San Diego community.
Aspiring filmmaker and fellow FC Heat Elite player Reagan Yorke provides the recovery story of the Smuts family and the perseverance of Danny who remains dedicated to helping others in need.
Youth Soccer News: Life can change in an instant. Few of us ever pause to appreciate what we have and fewer still ever are faced with real challenges. Danny Smuts’ story is different. It is a heartwarming reflection on personal courage and perseverance.
A little over a year ago, Danny Smuts of FC Heat Elite suffered a spinal stroke while playing in a semifinal match during the Dave Shelton Tournament at Ryan Park. It was the evening of July 17 when Danny — an attacking midfielder — was playing in a soccer game, reached for the ball and ended up on the ground in pain. He suffered a stroke which left him with no feeling below his waist. For an active youth who loved playing soccer, this was quite a shock.
Although many people in the southern California community were present when Danny suffered this injury, few were aware of his journey in the last year. Steve Yorke, Director of Coaching for Dany’s youth soccer club has been a strong supporter.
Following the injury, the Smuts family remained strong in their faith and bonded together by their love for one another — along with their dedication to giving back to the community.
Danny has returned to Children’s Hospital to help fundraise and has volunteered to be called upon if someone with a similar injury occurs. Danny is now playing sports in the Adaptive Sports and Recreation Association (ASRA)’s programs.
The Smuts family would like to thank all those who reached out to them following Danny’s injury.
Earlier this year, Reagan Yorke, an aspiring filmmaker and a player at FC Heat Elite, approached the Smuts family with the idea to shoot a documentary short film about their past year.
The Pacific Arts Movement and Reel Voices, the film studio where Yorke was studying over the summer, aired the film at the San Diego Asian Film Festival earlier this month with it receiving extremely positive reviews.
“Life Rolls On” is a story of hope and perseverance by Danny and the Smuts family.
