Dunstable Paralympian Returns From Rio
Dunstable Paralympian Returns From Rio
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Dormans Photo 13 Broadwalk, The Quadrant Centre, Dunstable. LU5 4RH Dormans Photo are a family run Photo Lab specialising in Digital and Film processing & printing, Poster prints up to A0 size, and stock a wide variety of frames and albums. We ...Dunstable Paralympian Returns From Rio
At the time of writing, Liam Irons, a 25 year old footballer from Dunstable will be on a return flight from Rio having been called up to represent Team GB at the Paralympic Games as part of the 7-aside football team for players with Cerebral Palsy.
Liam, who attended Mill Vale Middle School and Queensbury Upper, has always played mainstream football in Bedfordshire and currently plays for 61FC in the Spartan South Midlands Football League. His manager at the club and Beds FA Chairman, Richard Everitt, said “Everybody at 61 FC are very proud of what Liam has achieved, it is a reward for lots of hard work and dedication which Liam has put into his game.”
Liam, who was diagnosed with Cerabal Palsy, also plays for Saints FC on Sundays and it was while playing for the side that he was spotted by an opposition manager who also has the condition. He put Liam in contact with national CP football coach Jeff Davis who sent a scout to watch Liam play which led to him being invited to train with the squad.
CP (Cerabal Palsy) football is a 7 a-side fast-paced, tough tackling game with lots of technique and skill. It has been part of the Paralympic Games since 1984 and this year teams from 8 nations qualified for the finals in Rio. There are seven players from each team on the pitch – in addition to seven on the bench. Because there is no off side rule, matches are open and exciting with teams able to adopt a more direct, attacking style. Throw-ins can be completed with one hand, rolling the ball onto the playing field. Matches last 60 minutes, divided into two 30-minute halves, with a 15-minute interval between them.
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Dormans Photo 13 Broadwalk, The Quadrant Centre, Dunstable. LU5 4RH Dormans Photo are a family run Photo Lab specialising in Digital and Film processing & printing, Poster prints up to A0 size, and stock a wide variety of frames and albums. We ...Until six months ago Liam was unaware that there was a CP team, having always played mainstream football. He now found himself faced with the challenge of preparing to represent his country as part of Team GB, something he had only previously dreamed about. Before flying out to Brazil, the team was put through a rigorous training camp at FA National Football Centre, St. Georges Park, which Liam describes as “an amazing place”. The elite level strength and conditioning was the first of many new experiences for Liam but he took it all in his stride and in the past six months his attitude and commitment to his game has changed completely. Liam says “It has completely changed my approach to football as I’m now training six days a week which includes strength and conditioning with a coach and lots of sprint and agility work. They have also taught me to play a lot calmer and relaxed which has improved my decision making on and off the ball”
Liam’s first chance to represent the team was at a pre-Paralympic tournament in Spain where his training and dedication paid off, scoring in his debut against Ireland.
Arriving in Rio Liam was impressed by the Paralympics village and his fellow athletes. “The place is truly inspiring, the things you see on a day to day basis is quite remarkable. The lengths to which some of the athletes go to get themselves so that they can compete in the games is incredible.”
The team were also lucky enough to get some pointers from one of the biggest stars of Rio 2016. “Alex Danson, who won Gold with the women’s hockey team, gave us an inspirational talk. She went into detail about how and why they did so well. It was great to meet someone like Alex let alone hear about her experiences and advice.”
Liam’s Team GB debut came against hosts Brazil. Not a bad way to start your international career and he reflected that despite the result, “It was still one of the best experiences of my life.” The second game saw Team GB lose 2-1 to the favourites Ukraine, who went on to claim gold. Team GB then smashed five past Ireland in their final game to set up a 5th place playoff with rivals Argentina. A feisty 2-0 win meant the CP 7 a-side achieved the highest finish in their history.
Liam’s girlfriend, Carly Smith, commented “We are so proud of Liam and everything he has achieved. Liam’s family and I have watched all of his games together, cheering him on from home. We can’t wait to see him now and welcome him home.”
Summing up his experience of the games, Liam said “We finished Rio 2016 in 5th place with a 2-0 win over Argentina. That’s the highest the Team GB football team have ever finished. It’s been by far the best experience of my life and I have enjoyed every minute of it. All of the squad and staff have bonded so well and it’s great to have been on this journey with them.
I think we can come home knowing that we gave our all and competed with the best teams in the tournament.”
It’s fair to say many events during the games have captured our attention and hearts. There is something wonderfully personal and relatable about the Paralympics. Perhaps this is why we felt such a connection with Liam’s journey.
Liam’s personality and achievements deserve special recognition and a willingness to share his new experiences through his Paralympic Diary only highlights his character.
Josh Spavins (Bedfordshire FA Disability Football lead) said “Liam’s story has done so much for young players with disabilities in Bedfordshire. His remarkable story is proof that nothing can stop you pursuing your dreams. We’d like to encourage any footballers with disabilities to explore the opportunities out there.”
This was something echoed by Liam when asked about his hopes for the future, Liam said “Having had the great coaching I have received, I definitely think I would love to get into coaching when I can’t play anymore, to share all I have learnt with local clubs and players.
He added “It was a massive privilege to be asked to go on Channel 4 Live to talk about the games. Hopefully I can help promote the sport to any CP players watching at home.”
“Finally, I would just like to add that any disabled players playing mainstream football should make sure they try and get in touch with Jeff Davies because the possibilities could be life-changing – it has been for me. “
If you would like to get involved in football, regardless of ability or disability, Beds FA would like to hear from you. Disability sessions run across the county and you can contact Josh Spavins for full details at [email protected]
Dunstable Paralympian Returns From Rio
Read Liam’s Paralympic Diary and check out Disability Football online via the Bedfordshire FA.
Website – www.BedfordshireFA.com
Twitter – @BedsFA / @_LiamIrons
Facebook – www.facebook.com/Bedfordshire-FA
Dunstable Paralympian Returns From Rio
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