David Clarke is aged 55 and hales from Wigan in North West England and since 1995 has lived in Harpenden with his wife and two sons. Based on a sound academic footing, David developed a highly successful career in the banking sector spanning 24 years and an International Football career which has seen him represent Great Britain and England’s blind football team 144 times scoring a total of 128 goals. During 2018, David took a conscious decision to play an active role in the third sector following on from several non-executive positions held. In July 2018, he joined the RNIB as Director of Services where he was keenly focused on ensuring visually impaired people have access to the information, advice and guidance they need alongside providing consumer and Commercial services which seek to remove barriers to inclusion. David was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in February 2022. In March 2023, David was appointed as the first disabled CEO of the British Paralympic Association, a role that brings together his sporting, commercial and third sector skill set in to what he describes as a truly dream role. He is now keenly focused on leading best prepared teams in to the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games and driving forward the social impact ambition of the organisation to inspire a better world for disabled people through sport.
Key achievements:
Academic
- Honorary Doctorate, University of Hertfordshire 2013, Doctor of Sports Science
- Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and BSC Financial Services, Chartered Institute of Bankers/UMIST, 1998
- Masters Degree, Diplomacy and International Relations, Lancaster University, 1993
- BA Hons, Social Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, 1992
Sporting
- 144 international appearances for Great Britain and England over an international football career spanning 17 years
- A record 128 goals scored in 144 international appearances
- Represented Great Britain and England at 8 European Championships, 5 World Championships and 3 Paralympics culminating in the London 2012 Paralympic Games
- 5 times European Championships “Golden Boot” winner and 5 times European Championships Silver Medallist
- Inducted in to the National Football Museum Hall of Fame in September 2013
- Guest of Honour, FA Cup Final May 2013 and presented the cup to “home town team” Wigan Athletic
- Recognised with a “Life Time Achievement” Award at the 2013 England Football Awards Ceremony at St George’s Park
- Director and Vice Chair of the British Paralympic Association 2017-2023
- Member of the FA Council 2017-present
Contact details
E-mail: David.clarke@paralympics.org.uk
Mobile: 07795117592