Azeem Amir shines in debut season

Azeem Amir (centre) with Merseyside Blind FC colleagues

Azeem Amir, from Rochdale, shone in the final of the National Blind Football League fixtures in Hereford on Saturday (4 March).

Merseyside Blind FC, who Azeem plays for, went into Saturday’s fixtures four points behind the leaders, West Bromwich Albion, knowing that no less than two wins would be enough for the title.

The team achieved the desired results with a 1-0 win against West Bromwich Albion and a 2-1 win against RNC Academy Shrews.

Speaking about their triumphant wins, Azeem said: “Truly, none of this would be possible without the skill, commitment, and team spirit shown by all players and staff involved with the club.”

In addition to playing for Merseyside Blind FC, the 18-year-old, who has been blind since birth, also trains with Manchester Blind FC. He is also taking part in the England Emerging Talent Program for monthly training camps, training with the greatest disabled footballers and working with the finest coaches in the country.

Azeem balances his football ambitions with studying for his A-Levels at Rochdale Sixth Form College.

He said: “I have not let it [being blind] act as a barrier regarding my love and passion for participation in elite sport. My ambition is to train and develop to such a level that I can get chosen for the England Blind Football team to represent my country in international competitions.

“Potentially, with the talent and ability I believe I have, I hope to go as far as the Tokyo Paralympics in 2020.”

Azeem is looking forward to the Brian Aaron’s Cup on 8 April, which will include two teams attending from Turkey, and the Disability Cup finals at St George’s Park, where the England team train, on 6 May.