Larkings named best Goalkeeper

Australian Paralympic team member Sam Larkings didn’t come home empty-handed from the Cerebral Palsy World Cup in Brazil, after picking up the Goalkeeper of the Tournament accolade.

Australian Paralympic team member Sam Larkings didn-t come home empty-handed from the Cerebral Palsy World Cup in Brazil, after picking up the Goalkeeper of the Tournament accolade.

Larkings, who hails from Newcastle, won the award despite the team finishing a disappointing 11th place and missing a place at the Beijing Paralympic Games next year.

He described winning the award as truly unbelievable and the greatest milestone of his career.

This was Larkings second CP World Cup and he is still only 19 years of age, which underlines the potential he has at the international level in the years to come.

“Receiving an award such as this is the greatest milestone in my footballing career to date,” he said from Rio. “To be recognised at an event such as the World Championships is very gratifying.

“I was pleased with my performances throughout the tournament but to be recognised on such a stage is truly unbelievable.”

Larkings was full of praise for those people who had helped him in his short career to date.

“Definitely Darryl Darke my goalkeeping coach who has truly revolutionised my goalkeeping skills, vision and technical ability. Darryl along with Paul Brown and Kai Lammert have been instrumental in developing, not only my skills, but raising the bar for the whole National Squad.

“This award I received is not only a testament to my performance but a statement about our national squad gaining profile and respect within the Paralympic Football World.”