As part of her new role, her main duties will include overseeing a team responsible for increasing the potential of the FA Para Footballers and coaches. In an interview with the FA, she said she was thrilled to be taking on such a role at a time when Para Football has lots of new things to look ahead to.
“I am committed to developing and sustaining high performance Para-football teams of players and staff to be the best they can be, both as players and people, ultimately supporting the FA to achieve their mission for 2024.”
By creating these two new teams, the FA is fulfilling an ambition to add more inclusivity into sport. When many people think about playing sport, they normally think about able bodied athletes who are well recognised and have already achieved quite a lot within their chosen sport. Any disabled athletes are usually left out and are isolated from their friends and peer group. By creating these new teams, people with disabilities will be able to play alongside other sports people and athletes who will be at a similar level and have similar health conditions or disabilities.
By creating these new teams, certain allowances will have to be made to help ensure that disabled sports people are treated fairly and are put under no prejudice or discrimination that will single them out from other sports people who may be able bodied or disabled. Everyone should be treated the same, given equal opportunities and be able to improve representation of disability sport. This is something which is sadly lacking in today’s society and more needs to be done to improve the way disabled people can be included and compete in sport at an equal level.
Baroness Sue Campbell who is the FA’s Head of Women’s Football said: “Catherine will bring a new dimension to our work across Para Football and I am very pleased she has agreed to join us. She has a wealth of elite sporting experience and wants to help our players and coaches to be the very best they can be, while also recognising the inspirational impact that winning teams can have on driving participation.
“I know she is also committed to establishing a strong and supportive culture for our players and coaches, ensuring that all those involved in Para sport feel a respected and valued part of the football family.”
