Clarke strikes out for Beijing

England Blind Football team striker, David Clarke, has been selected for the Great Britain football team who will play in the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing.

The GB team booked their place at the games for the first time ever, after reaching the final of the European Championships in 2007 losing only to top seeds Spain, against whom David struck a hat-trick earlier in the tournament.

Commenting on his selection for the team David, who works as a senior partner for Clydesdale Bank in Knightsbridge said: “It’s both an honour and a privilege to be asked to represent my country at a tournament that symbolises the pinnacle of sporting achievement.

“This is an exciting time for everyone in the team and I believe we have a real chance to get amongst the medals in Beijing.”

Blind football is a five-a-side game based on Latin America’s Futsal, with four outfield players and a fully sighted goalkeeper. The ball contains ball bearings so that it makes a noise when in motion. The crowd must remain silent to allow the players to hear.

Steve King, managing partner at Clydesdale Bank in Knightsbridge said: “We are delighted for David that he has made the squad for the Games.  He thoroughly deserves his place for the all hard work and dedication he gives to his sport, and will make a fine ambassador for both his country and his team and, of course, Clydesdale Bank.”