Local footballer's positive outlook pays dividends

A talented Island sportsman is keeping alive his dreams of a successful football career, despite restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sean Jackson has had a frustrating 2020 so far with all scheduled matches and training sessions halted in March to put an end to his season.

However, the 19 year-old, who had been due to play for England’s Under 21s amputee team in May and had also been selected in the provisional England squad for this autumn’s European Cup Finals, is remaining upbeat and due a return to action for both club and country.

With the support of the Dandara Group, he will return to training with the Manchester City’s ‘City in the Community’ amputee squad next month, while training will also resume with the England squad.

Jackson, who was last year’s Isle of Man Disability Sportsperson of the Year and is studying a Football Coaching and Management degree at Etihad Campus University in Manchester, is excited about getting back on the pitch.

He explained: ‘It has been a surreal year for us all and football, naturally, has taken a back seat along with so many other activities. The fact we are now looking forward to some training camps though is a real boost to everyone involved.

'As you would expect, there will be a number of new measures in place to protect the players and coaching team. For example, at the England Team’s training camp all the physios will be wearing full PPE, every player will have a separate room and we will no longer be able to eat together each evening. Whenever we’re inside we must wear masks and have our own designated area to change, distanced away from others.

‘However, the fact we are able to go back at all and have been given the greenlight to train as normal is brilliant. Being involved with the England and Manchester City set-ups is incredible and I am so grateful to Dandara for its ongoing support.’

Dandara Marketing Manager, Angela Beresford, commented: ‘We are so pleased for Sean that he now has the opportunity to resume training.

‘During the pandemic he has continued to stay fit and motivated and is determined not let this opportunity pass him by. It shows what a dedicated young man he is with a positive mindset and we are pleased to support him on his journey.’