Local blind football star helps launch the FA’s 21 days of positivity

Azeem Amir, who plays for England Blind

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Local blind footballer Azeem Amir has lined up alongside players from the England men’s, women’s and disability football teams in a new video released today (Monday 21 January) to support 21 Days of Positivity, as part of The FA’s ‘We Only Do Positive’ Respect campaign.

The FA’s Respect campaign seeks to improve touchline and on-pitch behaviour in youth football across the country. Research from The FA shows that 90% of youth footballers perform better with positive encouragement.

In a video released by The FA on ‘Blue Monday’, England Blind squad member Azeem Amir, of Rochdale, England Men’s Ross Barkley and Jesse Lingard, and England Women’s Toni Duggan talk openly about how positive encouragement impacted them at a young age, benefiting their lives and careers.

Midfielder Azeem, 19, said: “I always show a lot of gratitude to my mobility officer Dave Potter. When I came across blind football, he was the first person to say that if I were to put my mind to it and pursue it, then I could actually become a footballer.

“He ingrained a persistence in me, and in a sense, made me see what is out there for people with visual impairments.”

Across the 21 days, which is the period of time it takes to enact a behavioural change and form a habit, The FA will share messages of positivity on its social media channels, with England stars thanking those that have had the biggest influence on them.