It is nearly a year since I last wrote this column, and what a year it has been. During my last article I wrote about the Great Britain Blind and Cerebral Palsy teams’ preparation for the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games, and what a journey and experience it became for all the players and staff involved. Although the teams did not set Beijing alight, a great deal of valuable lessons were learnt and can be implemented for future games.
Both teams did not get off to a great start with the CP squad drawing reigning Paralympic champions in the first game and Iran (ranked 3rd in the world) second. Subsequently we lost both games 8-1 (after being level after 25 minutes) and 3-0, effectively knocking us out of the tournament and only having ranking games to play.
The Blind were beaten by China in their first game, whom became the surprise package of the tournament, but beat Korea in the next game. This set up a key game against Spain which unfortunately the team lost 3-1 after looking the stronger team for long periods. The final games for both teams saw a 10-2 victory against China for the CP team to finish 7th and the Blind squad beat Korea in the 5th and 6th play-off match.
Already preparations are underway for 2012, we must ensure we make the most of home field advantage. The journey to the podium is difficult, players have to work hard and make many sacrifices but the rewards are things like walking out into the Olympic Stadium under the British flag – I can truly say this was one of the most electric feelings ever and ranks amongst one of my greatest sporting achievements also being invited to Buckingham Palace and having the honour of introducing the players to The Queen.
I can only dream of how it will be in London but we need to find more players who want to dream and work to achieve a place in the GB Paralympic squads.
Doctor Brian Aarons
Unfortunately I must report the passing away of Brian Michael Aarons on July 18th 2009. Sometimes words do not do a person justice and I am finding it hard to find the appropriate ones that encapsulate a man so full of life and energy who tragically died as a result of a brain tumour before his time.
Brian was a Doctor for a number of the England Disability squads since 2001, he won a World Cup winners’ medal and Global Games gold with the Learning disability squad, a silver medal with the GB Blind squad and was the paralympic football Doctor in Beijing. At his funeral Oli Davies, Steve Westhrop and I were continually smiling and remembering all the wonderful stories of this great man who was not only a true professional but a confidante, a sounding board and a great friend.
Our best wishes go out to his wife Annie and children Daniel and Rachel. Goodbye Doc and thank you.
Disability Equality Advisory Group
We have seen a number of changes in this group, with the most notable being that Colin Chaytors is now the Chair replacing Sue Hough who is now Chair of the Women’s Committee at The FA, although she remains on the group.
Sue has been a true supporter and advocate for disability football and has been a real driving force behind it’s advancement since 1999. On behalf of all those in disability sport and particularly football, I would like to thank her and wish her the very best.
Another staunch supporter, Lucy Faulkner, left the employment of The FA and we wish her the very best in any new venture she undertakes.
A New Addition
I am delighted to welcome James Watkins to The FA in his new role of Club and Coaches Project Officer. He will have responsibility to ensure delivery of the Sport England programmes of Club and Coach, and Playground to Podium. James has worked as a FDO and CDM in various county football associations and comes with a wealth of experience in football. He has plenty to do and various challenging targets but we are confident the programmes are in safe hands.
England Impairment Squads
Returning from the Paralympics the Blind and CP teams had a change of players as they reverted back to England participation. Pride of place must go to the England Cerebral Palsy squad who under new manager Lyndon Lynch won two tournaments. Firstly the squad went to Australia in May and won the Arafura Games beating Australia in the final with goals from Michael Wilson and Richard Fox. The squad followed this up by winning the Home nations tournament in July beating the Republic of Ireland (3-1) and Scotland (1-0), goals from the Ireland game can be seen by clicking here. The CP development squad also won all their games and showed we have a good deal of talent in England.
The blind squad once again made the final of the IBSA European championships in France after beating their nemesis Spain in the semi-final. Unfortunately after leading for the whole match two goals in the final minutes from hosts France saw the dreams fade and the squad had to settle for a silver medal. This is a great achievement as Tony Larkin gave three new caps and introduced a new system of play which makes the performance very good.
The Partially Sighted squad could not match their heroics of the World Championships as they could only manage 6th place in the Europeans. This was a set-back for the whole team who suffered a number of problems with players retiring, injury and a player being unfairly classified out; this all conspired to a disappointing performance. However, I am confident that Graham Keeley and his staff will turn this around in the coming year.
Elite Team Review
It is a critical time for disability sport as the 2012 Paralympics are on the horizon. It was of paramount importance The FA completed an elite team review to assess the level of support given to each team and whether the landscape has changed in the last 10 years to reflect the needs of disabled elite players.
The exercise was not cost-cutting but The FA wanted to ensure that we have value for money and the environment is set so that these teams have the most talented players and competition framework to play in
At the heart of this review is the need for the FA to be player-centred and have the over arching aim to allow disabled players to reach their potential and play at the highest level, however, an England disability team should be run where the disability prevents the footballer from reaching this goal within mainstream.
A criteria and framework was applied to each impairment group to ensure it was fit for purpose both within England and have an active, recognised international organisation. From this review the following impairment groups where identified for support:
- Amputee
- Blind – Senior and development
- Cerebral Palsy – Senior and development
- Deaf
- Learning Disability – Under 18 development team only
- Partially Sighted
The FA are committed to supporting senior disability teams to achieve our goal to be ranked in the top four in Europe, as published by the international disability specific organisation, in each impairment group.
We will work with each national disability sports organisation to ensure the environment is set to enable participation in the international fixture programme. We still have a number of outstanding issues with some impairment organisations but it is hoped these can be resolved at the earliest opportunity.
Disability Football Strategy 2009-12
The July consultation period for the strategy has been completed and we are in the process of evaluating all the feedback and making the appropriate changes. It is hoped that the strategy can be launched in September and will act as a clear and concise document that gives direction and sign posts the way forward to 2012. I will keep you updated.
Ability Counts National Finals
Once again The David Beckham Academy played host to 30 of the best disability football teams in England. The quality of play increases year-on-year and it is an exciting finale to the disability football calendar. This year’s winners are:
Premiership – Plymouth Argyle
Championship – St.Albans City
League – Brighton and Hove Albion
Women’s – Everton DFC
Well done to all those who participated in county, regional and local events.
A Big Thank You
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all you do to promote disability football, whether it be as a coach, administrator, development officer or volunteer; without you the game would not have progressed as well as it has during the past 12 months. The support from county FAs, Football in the Community, local authorities, schools, inclusive and disability football clubs has been pivotal in the continued development of the game and without you none of the above has been possible. Together we are making a real difference, thank you once again.
Hopefully it won’t be another year before I add to the column but in the meantime have a great summer and see you in the new season.
Jeff Davis
National Development Manager - Disability