Sean Highdale was a Liverpool FC academy prospect before a devastating car crash which claimed the lives of two of his friends left him critically injured, but after intensive rehabilitation, Sean was able to return to the sport he loves and is set to represent Team GB’s Cerebral Palsy football team at the Paralympics.

Your Move caught up with the player ahead of his trip to Brazil to discuss how the Beautiful Game has helped him come to terms with his injury, how he prepared for the games and Team GB’s medal chances in Rio.

How has competing in Paralympic sport helped you come to terms with the injury you suffered?

Getting the opportunity to get involved in Paralympic sport has helped me massively physically and mentally. It gave me the incentive to keep my body fit and strong – and most of all stay positive. It was hard, going through what I went through but this has given me a massive boost and I’m loving every minute.

How important a role did Liverpool Football Club play in your rehabilitation?

I really don’t think I would have been able to do it without them. I was sent to the best doctors and Surgeons in the country and received the best physiotherapy. They kept pushing me to get to where I am today.

Team GB’s Sean Highdale

Do you think there are enough opportunities for budding Paralympic athletes in the Liverpool City Region?

London 2012 really raised the profile of all Paralympic sport. The FA is involved is doing a lot of work engaging people with disability in football at both grassroots and elite level. The County FA in Liverpool has received funding to appoint a dedicated Disability Officer who is tasked with developing opportunities to play football at a local level.  The popularity of the game is rising. If it were a standalone sport, disability football would be the seventh biggest participation sport in the country – bigger than rugby league I’m told.

How are your preparations for Rio going? What does a typical training day involve in the run-up to the games?

My preparations are going well, I’m feeling as fit as I have for a long time and can’t wait to put on the Paralympics GB shirt. Training is very intense, whether we are at a camp or at home. Each of us has to make sure we are as fit as we can be when we go to Rio. Nobody wants to have any regrets and let anyone down and I’m sure everyone is giving their all.

Do you feel Team GB’s Cerebral Palsy football team will be medal contenders in Rio?

I honestly don’t see why we can’t challenge for a medal. Our team is very talented and focused and determined to do well. We all can’t wait to get there now and put all our preparations into action.

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