Football Focus: “I’m a big fan of team sport”
June is a big month for English football, with the hopes of a nation heading out to Russia in search of World Cup glory. While back on home soil, some of the country’s top grassroots teams get ready to face each other in the FA Disability Cup Finals at St George’s Park on 16-17 June. All this week, to celebrate the beautiful game we’re sharing player experiences in our Football Focus blog series.
Hi, my name is Jason Swift from South Normanton in Derbyshire and I play amputee football. I had my right arm amputated above the elbow after an injury to the network of nerves in my arm.
I play regularly for two teams, West Bromwich (West Brom) Albion Amputee team and Sherwood Colliery Ability Counts Football Club. West Brom train most Saturdays and Sherwood train weekly on a Tuesday.
I started playing football when I was 11 years old and played for some great teams in the past. Matlock Town under 19s, Matlock Bath, Shirebrook Town and the Boundary for 10 years with friends. In 2012, a vehicle accident stopped me from playing.
After recovering from the accident, I wanted to get back to playing football again and so I started looking online (as we do for everything nowadays) for local opportunities. Eventually, I found information about Sherwood Colliery Ability Counts FC. They are a fantastic club that provides access to football for male and female disabled players with a range of impairments. Luke Alvey, Vernon Thompson and the team at Sherwood are brilliant!
I joined the West Brom Amputee team at the start of this season and have really enjoyed playing for them. This is the club’s first season playing in the Irwin Mitchell Solicitors England Amputee Football League and cup competitions.
I love playing football and being active, it gives me a break from thinking and fully feeling the constant and extensive nerve pain I was left with after my accident. If I’m honest, it helps me to sleep, as I drift off much easier when I’m physically tired after running around the pitch.
I’m a big fan of team sport, as you never want to let your teammates down. The camaraderie and friendship within the team means a lot to me. It reminds me of the banter and fun I enjoyed in my job before the accident, which I still miss at times. So getting to know my teammates and the lads on the opposing team feels similar, and makes for some good banter during matches.
I am a Nottingham Forest fan and Ben Brereton is my favourite player. I often dream about him being picked for the England World Cup squad!
All I can say to disabled people that want to be more active is that you can always find a way. Trust me, playing football or another sport will make you feel a million times better. Aim high and believe in yourself because there is no greater feeling than achieving your best doing the sport you love!
