Daniel Rogers hopes to coach a team at the 2012 Olympics (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Daniel Rogers hopes to coach a team at the 2012 Olympics

2:07pm Monday 2nd February 2009

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AN AMBITIOUS Hertfordshire sports coach is determined to make it to the top and reach the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics games.

Daniel Rogers was born with cerebral palsy and has been described by his manager as a “shining example” of how sport can be used to overcome adversity through hard work and determination.

The 33-year-old who lives in Park Street, St Albans, works as a community sports coach with Herts Sports Partnership.

As well as that, he has been appointed as the assistant manager of the Middlesex under 14s disability football academy.

He has now set his sights for the 2012 Paralympic games where he hopes to be a cerebral palsy team manager.

A few more of Daniel's achievements includes serving as a member on the Football Association’s National Disability Panel and coaching the St Albans City Youth Football Club.

He said: “I want to be part of the olympics and paralympics because it's coming to this country.

“That's the biggest thing for me, to be able to represent your country, in your own country.

“I am a big sports fan which is how I got into football and coaching.”

Daniel told the Review how nothing has held him back to get himself where he is today.

He named Paul Gascoigne, Glen Hoddle and Gary Lineker as some of his sporting heroes.

His manager at Herts Sports Partnership has told how Daniel is always determined to help others.

John O'Callaghan, said: “Daniel's early life reads like an A-Z of personal setbacks but he has used sport as a vehicle to overcome major adversity.

“What he has achieved to date is nothing short of amazing and he thoroughly deserves all the plaudits and recognition that his achievements are now attracting.”

He added: “He is a popular member of staff, and sport in Hertfordshire would be significantly poorer without him.

“He has passion, enthusiasm, and a thirst for knowledge of all things sport, that is a pleasure to be associated with.

“Dan is a living embodiment of the power of sport to change people's lives, and we are very proud of him.”

Daniel is looking to get as much experience as possible coaching elite clubs in order to fulfill his dream of reaching the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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