Football Athlete Craig Slaughter
Location: Leeds
Coach: Keith Thornton
New coach: Simon Parker
Keith, coach: “Craig is a strong defensive player, very determined. He’s also 6ft2 and that gives him an extra confidence on the pitch.”
Craig is 19 years old and has been selected for the SOGB 5-a-side world games football squad. He has recently started with a new coach Simon but has for many years been trained by Keith Thornton. Keith has coached Craig since he was a very young player and it was him who encouraged Craig to join the SO club.
Keith says: “Craig is a strong defensive player, very determined and works hard at his sport. He really involves himself in the team and knows the game. Also to his advantage in defence is his height. Being 6ft 2 gives him extra confidence on the pitch.”
Craig is delighted to be going to Shanghai. Keith says:
“Craig’s main challenges before then will be improving his ball control and working at reading the game better. He applies himself to both.”
As well as his local SO club Craig plays for the regional Yorkshire & Humberside squad. That means he also plays against his regional team members sometimes as part of his local team. He trains with the local club every Thursday evening.
At only 14 Craig went to Geneva as part of the Mencap national team for a 4-day European tournament.
Craig is a keen supporter of Leeds United and also the Leeds Rhinos rugby league team. His coach Keith supports the Bradford rugby team so there is always a lot of banter between them as rival supporters.
Craig is described by Keith as a real athlete. As well as his passion for football, he plays volleyball, basketball and rugby as part of his training on a sports & leisure course. He hopes to find a job in leisure services.
Craig’s new coach Simon Parker works in IT services for a firm of solicitors.
Craig has a good level of understanding. His disability is more in communication. He used to use sign language but now uses a combination of words and gestures. He can get frustrated when he can’t find the words and is not being understood. But his family and coach are able to support him in communicating most things.
Craig has two younger sisters.
TO ARRANGE AN INTERVIEW WITH THE ATHLETES OR COACHES, PLEASE CONTACT THE SOGB NATIONAL OFFICE.
TELEPHONE: 020 7696 5569 OR EMAIL TO: pr@sogb.org.uk