Tournament blog

Up to now

While playing for Shrewsbury Town FC I did some voluntary work at the Royal National College (then based in Shrewsbury) and was impressed by the enthusiasm and skill of students. When I finished at Hereford Utd, I took up a job at RNC coaching sports. I had to learn a lot myself, taking the coaching course and doing drills under blindfold. I now help run a programme of training sessions for other coaches from around the country.

I am a qualified mobility instructor and blind football coach for B1, B2 and B3 teams, and have been actively involved in coaching most of my professional life and I have taken the England/GB squad all over the world and, most recently, to the Paralympics in Beijing.

Taking the squad out to Beijing was amazing - it was the first time that GB took a blind football team to Paralympics and it was fast, exciting, competitive and rewarding.

Also opening the first Blind Football Academy has been a real journey. It has been a dream of mine and I know what we can achieve, working with other organisations around the UK. We can open so many doors for young people, and create a pathway into international competitions for those with real talent. 2012 is just around the corner.

It is my ambition for the squad to pick up the cup in 2010, and to get on the podium in 2012.

The most satisfying part of the job is seeing players develop - not only in fitness, but in confidence. The transformation in mobility, self esteem, enjoyment of life can be tremendous. And then going back to the office and getting a phone call from a young person wondering if they can have a go. Seeing the game opening up to more and more people.

I am really looking forward to the tournament event though it's still 10 months away!

Posted by Tony Larkin on 21-11-2009

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