Courtesy: This is Hertfordshire


Striker to play for Great Britain

A BLIND football striker has been selected to represent Great Britain at the Paralympics this summer.

David Clarke, from Harpenden, is already a regular for the England Blind Football Team but was thrilled to learn about his new challenge.

The Great Britian team booked their place at the Beijing games for the first time after reaching the final of the European Championships in 2007. They lost out to top seeds Spain - despite a hat-trick from David against the team earlier in the tournament.

David, a senior partner for Clydesdale Bank in Knightsbridge, said: "It's both an honour and a privilege to be asked to represent my country at a tournament that symbolises the pinnacle of sporting achievement.

"This is an exciting time for everyone in the team and I believe we have a real chance to get amongst the medals in Beijing."

Blind football is a five-a-side game based on Latin America's Futsal, with four outfield players and a fully sighted goalkeeper.

The ball contains ball bearings so that it makes a noise when in motion, so demands a silent audience.

Steve King, managing partner at Clydesdale Bank in Knightsbridge, said: "We are delighted for David that he has made the squad for the Games.

"He thoroughly deserves his place for the all hard work and dedication he gives to his sport, and will make a fine ambassador for both his country and his team and, of course, Clydesdale Bank."






Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com