A FOOTBALL fan who lost his sight 10 years ago has become the first blind person in the country to qualify as an FA assistant coach.

Paul Matheson, a 47-year-old from Newcastle went blind as a result of glaucoma ten years ago and took part in visually impaired coaching sessions with the Newcastle United Foundation.

The lifelong Newcastle United fan said: “When I lost my sight, I just stopped playing football. You just don’t imagine that’s something you can still do and I felt as though I’d lost a huge part of my enjoyment of life.

“When I first started to play my co-ordination wasn’t great. I was quite hesitant and would stand around waiting for the ball to come to me. It took a few weeks to adapt but then my confidence increased and I was soon able to run after the ball. Some people say football is only a game, but it’s much more than that to me.”

Philippa Taylor, community services development officer at Henshaws Society for Blind People which supported Mr Matheson’s training, said: “I have been totally blown away by Paul’s football skills, his mobility and independence. He never ceases to amaze me in what he can do.”

For more information on Newcastle United’s disability football courses, contact Reggie Dornan at reggie.dornan@nufc.co.uk or call 0844-372-1892.