England manager teaches Berkshire's blind footballers new skills

Berkshire players and coaches were taught skills by the England blind football team manager Tony Larkin

The manager of the England/GB blind football team has been in Berkshire to help train visually impaired players that want to get involved in the sport.

Tony Larkin held two sessions teaching skills to coaches and players at the FBC Centre in Finchampstead.

Mr Larkin said the participants had ranged from an eight-year-old to an ex-professional who had lost his sight.

He said: "It's been a really worthwhile event and hopefully will encourage many more people to take up the sport."

Podium place

Blind football is played on a five-a-side pitch, with the sighted goalkeeper, the coach and a guide behind each goal telling the players where the ball is.

Mr Larkin, who himself played football professionally for 15 years, said the skill of the blind players was remarkable.

"Their movement and spatial awareness is unbelievable," he said.

The England/GB blind football side that he manages will be taking part in an international tournament in Madrid before the 2012 Paralympics in London.

Mr Larkin said it would be a great opportunity for his young side to get some experience against players from countries like Brazil, Argentina and France.

He said the week-long contest would give a good indication of how the England team would do in London where he was confident of a podium place.

He said: "I think with the Paralympics being held in this country, it's a real chance to put the sport on the map."