Positivity key for England blind star Azeem Amir
Wednesday 23 January 2019 14:11, UK
Azeem Amir, midfielder for the England Blind Football team, says his career would not have taken off had it not been for the supportive attitude of coaches.
He was speaking to Sky Sports News as he helped to launch an FA scheme called 'We Only Do Positive'.
The 21-day scheme focuses on the supportive role that coaches, players and fans can have in creating a more inclusive footballing environment.
Amir, the youngest debutant in English blind football history, is one of the faces of the campaign and said: "Positivity has played a massive role in my life. Both in terms of outside football and then when I was introduced to it, it really got me to where I am today.
"Little things, like a pat on the back, have such a big influence. It gives you that reset mode and it reminds you why you are there. You are there to enjoy the game. That's why we play, that is why we love it so much."
The campaign began on January 21 and will continue for 21 days with other England stars Jesse Lingard, Toni Duggan and Ross Barkley also involved.
Amir added: "Coaching plays a massive role within a player's development.
"It could be my club coach on a Saturday morning, telling me to get my hat and gloves off because it's time to go. Or it could be my England manager Jonathan Pugh at half-time, giving us a bit of encouragement."
