Amongst our Community Sports Trust Football Development students, we have an England International goalkeeper!
A second-year student, Thomas Atkinson is a current England Amputee International and recently represented his country in the 2021 European Amputee Football Championship in Krakow.
Thomas’ journey began at nine years old after being referred to the England set up by the Cumberland FA after being spotted playing in various football camps, including our very own Carlisle United Soccer Schools. He stayed with the junior programme until the age of just 15, when he was moved up to be part of the under 23s team.
Not only is Thomas an England International, but he also represents both Newcastle United and Portsmouth at club level in their respective leagues, travelling up and down the country for both training and games each week.
Last summer, Thomas was included in the Euros Amputee squad as the youngest member of the team, after previously missing out due to being too young for the tournaments original schedule. However, due to COVID-19, the tournament was postponed for a year, meaning Thomas was now eligible for the surprise call-up when the summer came around.
Coming into the squad with the role of back-up, Thomas managed to make three appearances in total at the European Championships. Featuring against Greece, France, and Italy with the outstanding feat of keeping a clean sheet in all 3 games whilst playing in front of thousands of fans.
Finishing in a respectable fifth place at the tournament, Thomas now has his focus on the 2022 Amputee Football World Cup being held in Turkey later this year, where he aims to cement the number 1 goalkeeper spot!
Through one of England’s sponsors, Adidas, Thomas has had the chance to be involved with some popular content creators on YouTube such as the F2 Freestylers -
And Kieran Brown -
Thomas is still just 17, being heavily involved in the England set up, and recently being one of the youngest ever captains in the league for Newcastle United just before Christmas, it’s obvious there could be a great career ahead of him.
Read more about the England Amputee Football Association HERE.
For more information on the Community Sports Trust Football Development course, email info@carlisleunitedcst.co.uk.