Pararoos rookie Tim Blowes pumped for Cromer Oval test against Canada
He’s played football most of his life but schoolboy Tim Blowes can’t believe his luck in being selected to play for his country this week.
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Tim Blowes wasn’t even born the last time the Pararoos played a match in Australia.
In fact, neither were the majority of his teammates.
It’s why Blowes is thrilled Australia is hosting Canada on November 30 in the first international on home soil in almost two decades.
Cromer Oval, home of Manly Warringah Football Association and Manly United FC, will host the match between the Australia’s senior men’s national football team for athletes with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or symptoms acquired from stroke, and Canada.
“It’s the first one since the 2000 Paralympics and only two players in the squad, Chris Pyne and David Barber, I think were there.
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“I think the majority of the squad weren’t even born then, I know I wasn’t.’’
Blowes, a Year 11 student at Arden Anglican school at Epping, live in Ryde and plays for the North Ryde Soccer Club in the Gladesville Hornsby Football Association division two league.
While representing NSW for a number of years, this is his first call-up to the Pararoos.
“I’ve been playing since I was four so this is amazing,’’ Blowes said of the upcoming match against Canada.
“It’s pretty incredible. I’m pumped. This is my first time in the squad.
“Eventually I’d like to be a regular starter in the Pararoos and one day to play for Australia at the Paralympics. It’s (football) been dropped but we are fighting to get it back in.
“The thought that I am playing for my country in front of my family and friends is amazing.’’
Blowe’s cerebral palsy affects the left side of his body.
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“In the scheme of things it’s not that severe. I’m the middle severity,’’ he said.
“I end up doing everything. I just find ways to do things and overcome things. My right arm is fine. My right leg is fine, my left is a little weaker.
“I rely on my right foot and I am learning to use my left foot. I have t even know anything different.
“This is my normal forever.’’
The international friendly has been made possible by Football Federation Australia and the FIFA Forward 2.0 Football Development Program.
MORE SPORT
Pararoos v Canada
November 30
Cromer Park
Kick-off: 5.30pm AEDT
Tickets on sale via www.pararoos.com.au (100 per cent of ticket sales invested back into the Pararoos).