Bishop Auckland St. Mary’s Juniors F.C. had a visit from and an England F.C. player on Saturday 21st April, when 22 year-old Owen Bainbridge came to training.
Owen plays for the England Football Blind Team and hopes to get chosen for Team GB Blind team for the Olympics this year.
He was playing regularly for the team but has been out with a knee injury. He is fit to play again, however, after having surgery.
Owen’s aunty, Jan Brunskill, is secretary of the Under 11s Angels team and Owen’s brother is hoping to start training with the U13 Kings team.
His father, Stuart Bainbridge, was a regular player in the Northern League for Evenwood, West Auckland, Spennymoor and Whitby.
Owen was born with partial sight but unfortunately became totally blind when he was 6 years-old.
Owen kindly donated a signed David Beckham shirt to the Under 11 Angels team, which he was given on a recent trip to Los Angeles with the Blind Team.
The club is hoping to raise funds by raffling the shirt off. Only 50 tickets are available at £10 each. To purchase one call Steve Coulthard on 07968 426 817.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
