Dominic's Story

When 11 year old Dominic Swift was told about his local Sheffield Actionnaires through his special education teacher in early 2007, he had no idea that it might lead to being spotted by an England international footballer.

Dominic has Retinitis Pigmentosa and Coloboma and is one of only two visually impaired children at his school but he still enjoys a variety of sports although he especially looks forward to the football sessions. "Football is easier at Actionnaires because the balls are bright, vivid colours, which makes it easier to see them."

When the club received coaching sessions from Wayne Perry, captain of the partially sighted England International Team, Wayne immediately spotted that Dominic had a special talent for football.

"He was mad keen on football, and really enjoyed being the goalkeeper. Even though he’s partially sighted, he definitely has the ability. He has an eye for goal keeping that, for a lad who’s got an eye condition, is something very special. He’s only 11 so he’s still young but I can tell that he has the potential to play in a partially sighted league. It’s great; we don’t always get the chance to talent-spot these youngsters."

Wayne has invited Dominic along to the Yorkshire Disability Centre of Excellence training sessions, which has direct links with the FA and the team will begin meeting weekly to train early in the New Year.

Wayne said "This is a great opportunity for Dominic to see whether he’s got the talent to maintain his football skills at a higher level."

Dominic is very excited about this opportunity. "When Wayne told me the news I felt really pleased. I thought to myself 'that’s brilliant!' My friends were amazed that somebody with my eyesight can play football."

Dominic sees himself following in Wayne’s footsteps and has already decided he wants to play football professionally when he’s older.

Wayne’s advice to other budding young footballers is to "focus on what you want; the more you practice the better you will get. Don’t think that the opportunities aren’t available; they are! Seek professional advice if you need to. Football is easily the best thing in the world!"