Azeem Amir Speaker | Teen Speakers & Primary & Enterprise & Creative & Sports & PHSCE & Lifestyle & Careers & Assemblies and Celebrations Events & Well-being & Teacher CPD & Disability

Azeem Amir

Internaitonal Blind Football player who shows that there are no barriers to success

It’s not uncommon for international footballers to begin their sporting journeys amidst humble surroundings. For Azeem Amir his unique journey to becoming an international footballer began in a bowling alley!

Azeem Amir is 21 and has been visually impaired since birth. However, he has never let it be a barrier to success. Azeem plays Blind Football professionally for the England and Great Britain blind football team and is working towards achieving international success. Alongside his football Azeem is also currently studying a Master's Degree.

In 2016, Azeem became the youngest blind person to complete Tough Mudder; a grueling 12-mile obstacle course, featuring muddy ditches, huge walls and electric fences, raising substantial funds for charity! Since running Tough Mudder, Azeem has risen to fame as a highly respected advocate for disability rights. He is now an ambassador for several disability organizations and through public speaking, coaching and workshops aims to inspire as many young people as possible to achieve their own version of success. He has just stepped into the world of Enterprise launching the organisation Learn With ESS.

Learn with ESS is an initiative that uses ESS (Education, Sport and Speaking) based activities to provide a unique and interactive team cohesion experience whilst addressing stigmatised issues surrounding disability. Learn with ESS aims to change individual perceptions within society to reshape towards a more unified future for all.

Watch Azeem in action here.

Testimonials from Teachers

"I have known Azeem for around 4 years through his involvement with England and The FA.
Not only is he an exceptional player on the pitch but he is a great role model to all young players within the sport from professional level to grassroots. He's now an England international and is working within schools / community / role model programmes showcasing inspirational and motivational talks to a vast variety of audiences. These include Azeems personal story which is very heart touching and motivating in the way he has overcome many barriers. From TEDTalks to local schools I would highly recommend Azeem."

– Steven Cushion, The FA

"I have been working with Azeem over the past few years and have first-hand seen his rise within the public and motivational speaking industry. From speaking at local primary schools to watching him on the television talking around topics such as disability, football and education. He is able to portray his story to encompass so many different angles. An Incredibly inspiring young man who I would recommend and will leave a long-lasting impact on all listeners."

– Amanda Jane Holt PGCE BA(open) NNEB ADG FE/HE

"Azeem was great and we have had very positive feedback from staff and pupils. He was also very proactive in getting in touch and making sure the tech worked. We were very happy."

– Louise Pearson, Willington Prep School

"Azeem was great, he is a fantastic speaker and we will definitely be looking at inviting him back in person".

– Dr Florence Weinberg, Head of Scholars, The John Lyon School

Azeem was great. The students were very engaged and interested.

– Elizabeth Warner, Assistant Principal- Access and Inclusion, Audenshaw School