Michael Owen has in all probability by no means been so susceptible. As the cameras begin rolling in his lounge, the previous England striker explains how he used to criticise his son, James, for not wanting on the digital camera when footage had been being taken.
Owen couldn’t perceive why his son’s eyes wouldn’t focus correctly. Then there have been the soccer matches. James was a proficient participant throughout his childhood however there could be occasions when his dad was left questioning why he wouldn’t take up the proper positions or put strain on the ball.
The solutions got here when James was recognized with Stargardt’s illness on the age of eight.
Stargardt is a uncommon genetic situation which happens when fatty materials builds up on the macula – the small a part of the retina wanted for sharp, central imaginative and prescient. There is at the moment no treatment.
Owen and his son inform their story in an emotional documentary – Football is for Everyone – which premieres on TNT Sports on Tuesday evening.
Michael Owen and his son James are hoping to boost consciousness of Stargardt’s and different eye situations by their new documentary Football is For Everyone
The pair have opened up on the challenges of James’ prognosis with Stargardt’s illness
James continues to regulate to residing with the situation – which has left him ‘clinically blind’ with the help of his household (centre – mom Louise and eldest sister Gemma)
The programme, which they current, delves into the world of sight loss and soccer and gives an intimate and galvanizing take a look at the England Partially Sighted Futsal Team as they equipped for the 2023 IBSA World Games (often called the World Cup).
The documentary begins with Michael and James, now 17, enjoying soccer within the backyard. James is clinically blind however nonetheless has some peripheral imaginative and prescient – so he can nonetheless take pictures at his dad. But his dream of changing into knowledgeable footballer ended following his prognosis.
What James didn’t realise, and what the documentary goals to shine a lightweight on, is that enjoying soccer with situations like Stargardt’s remains to be potential.
The documentary, although, is not only concerning the Owens. At the guts of the present is England’s journey to the ultimate of the World Cup and the staff members who take them there.
James and Michael are launched to Steve Daley, the supervisor of England’s partially sighted futsal staff, at Lilleshall – the FA’s outdated ‘School of Excellence’ which Owen attended throughout his youth.
After some reminiscing and a tour of Michael’s outdated room, the pair sit down with Daley to debate his position with England. It shortly turns into clear that Daley, who beforehand performed for the Three Lions’ partially sighted staff himself, is a passionate coach who means enterprise.
The subsequent time Michael and James meet Daley is at a coaching camp at St George’s Park. James is invited to participate in a session and shortly realises how spectacular the extent is.
It can be the primary time he has met individuals with the identical illness or related eyesight situations to him.
The likes of Jake Heasman, Adam Lione and Doug Pratt won’t be accustomed to the typical viewer however by the tip of the documentary it’s as when you have bought to know them personally.
Each of the gamers and their households open up on their very own journeys as England progress by the event. The normal of play is remarkably spectacular and James, who watches on from the stands, clearly will get swept up within the thrill of the trip.
The documentary does a incredible job of mixing emotion with positivity and a can-do perspective. By his personal admission, Michael takes the positives from each state of affairs and believes James’ situation means they’re even shut as father and son. James, in the meantime, comes throughout as an clever younger man who takes after his dad relating to having a can-do perspective.
The documentary is equalled centered on their father-son relationship as England’s Partially Sighted Futsal staff’s progress on the World Cup
The pair are handled to a tour round Lilleshall earlier than travelling to observe the staff at St George’s Park
While the pair bravely open up on their very own journey, they be sure that the limelight is as a lot on the England staff as it’s on them.
‘Football is for Everyone’ starring Michael and James Owen premieres on TNT Sports 1 at 11pm on thirtieth January. Sign as much as TNT Sports and discovery+ right here