Representing England against the odds
Sport has always played a defining role in Caitlin Leigh’s life. Born with severe visual impairment, she has spent much of her childhood and early adulthood navigating education and elite sport side by side, because, in her own words “it never really stopped me from doing anything”.
From a 15-year career in judo, eventually joining the Paralympic potential programme, to representing England in blind football, Caitlin’s journey is rooted in resilience, adaptability and a passion for sport that extends far beyond competition.
“If you had asked five‑year‑old me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I’m not sure I would have had an answer. What I did know – even then – was that I loved sport, and that I wasn’t going to let anything stop me from being part of it. “I was born in the North West and grew up with my two sisters. I’ve lived with severe visual impairment from birth, and my sight has deteriorated further as I’ve got older. But it was never something that defined what I believed was possible. I went through mainstream education from start to finish, encouraged by my parents and teachers to do the same things as everyone else – just in my own way.”
“People often make assumptions about visual impairment, but I try to show that I’m just a person whose eyes don’t work as they should – I simply do things differently.”
Sport became the place where Caitlin’s talent shone through. For Caitlin, physical activity wasn’t just about fitness; it was about confidence, structure and challenge.
“When I was five, I went to a group for visually impaired children and tried judo for the first time. I fell in love with it instantly. What started off as something fun quickly became a defining part of my life.
“I trained and competed for 15 years, eventually transitioning into Paralympic adapted judo and earning a place on the Great Britain Paralympic Potential Programme. I competed internationally and won silver at the Nihon Dutch Open. For a long time, my dream was incredibly clear: I wanted to stand on a Paralympic podium.
“That dream shaped many of my decisions – including where I chose to study. I honestly didn’t really look anywhere else. The University of Wolverhampton felt like the obvious choice. The National Centre for Judo was based at the Walsall Campus, and if I was serious about pursuing my sporting goals, that was where I needed to be.
“At the same time, I knew I wanted a degree that reflected my passion for sport beyond competing. I wanted to help people – to work with injuries, recovery and performance. When I found the BSc Sport and Exercise Therapy course, everything just clicked. There really wasn’t a question after that.
“I don’t think I’ll ever truly settle until I achieve that Paralympic goal – a medal around my neck, knowing I’ve given everything.”
“From day one, I loved my course. It was practical, hands-on and challenging, with a real focus on how theory applies in the real world. It gave me the exact foundation I wanted for a future in sport.
“What truly made the experience, though, were the people around me.
“My lecturers were absolutely amazing. I honestly can’t sing their praises enough. They were supportive not just academically, but personally too.
“They understood the demands of elite sport and the realities of disability, and they were flexible in ways that genuinely mattered. No question was ever a ‘silly’ one, and that created such a positive learning environment.”
Throughout her time at Wolverhampton, Caitlin was rarely without her guide dog, Honey, who became a familiar presence across campus.
“Honey is my guide dog, my best friend and, quite honestly, my other half. I’ve had her for six and a half years, I got her when I was 15, and I genuinely don’t remember being an adult without her. She stayed with me in accommodation and came to every lecture, practical session and exam.
“Getting Honey completely changed my life. She gave me confidence and independence and made big, daunting steps feel manageable. She’s done all my big exams with me, and she absolutely loves working. The moment her harness goes on, her tail starts wagging. She’s an absolute legend.”
In Caitlin’s final year at university, her sporting journey took a significant, and unexpected, turn.
“For several reasons, I had to step away from judo in my final year. After 15 years in the sport, that wasn’t easy. Judo had given me so much, but sometimes growth means letting go of what you’ve always known.
“That was when blind football came into my life. “I’d never really played football growing up, but I had friends who played blind football and I was interested. When an email came through about a “have a go” day at St George’s Park – the home of England football – I decided to give it a try.
“I fell in love with it immediately. The communication, teamwork and pace challenged me in ways I’d never experienced before. Not long after that session, the team manager told me they’d love me to be part of the England women’s set-up.
“Just over a year and a half later, I’m an England Blind Football international.
“Since then, I’ve competed in the Tri-Nations Cup, which we won, and travelled to Japan to compete in the World Grand Prix. I continue to represent the England women’s squad and I’m often heading straight from everyday life into national team camps. With European Championships approaching, selection permitting, there’s always something to work towards.
“Women’s blind football isn’t yet part of the Paralympics, but the hope is that it could be included by Brisbane 2032. That’s the dream. I don’t think I’ll ever truly settle until I achieve that Paralympic goal – a medal around my neck, knowing I’ve given everything.”
Alongside elite sport, Caitlin has worked deliberately to create a future beyond competition.
“Elite sport, especially in para football, doesn’t pay the bills. While studying, I was supported as a TASS athlete through the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme, which made a huge difference.
“I’m currently completing a remote football apprenticeship, something many England Para athletes take part in. It focuses on developing us as athletes and people, covering areas like nutrition, wellbeing and anti-doping, not just performance on the pitch.
“I also work for Look UK, a charity supporting visually impaired young people and their families. I’ve been involved with them for a long time and now work as a communications intern, focusing on social media and outreach. Giving back feels incredibly important to me. I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of others, and I want young people to see what’s possible.
“At university, I ran blind football sessions for my entire course and later for staff across the School of Sport. I was also a Sports Scholar and supported a special educational needs school programme, helping introduce young people to sport in an inclusive way.
“Those experiences meant a lot to me. People often make assumptions about visual impairment, but I try to show that I’m just a person whose eyes don’t work as they should – I simply do things differently.”
Looking back now, Caitlin sees her university years as a period of significant personal growth.
“When I walked across the graduation stage, with Honey by my side, I was a completely different person to the one who first stepped onto campus three years earlier. I’d grown academically, professionally and personally. I’d gained confidence, resilience and belief in myself.
“I’m incredibly proud to be a Wolverhampton graduate – proud of my course, proud of the city and proud of the community that supported me every step of the way.
“If I could offer one piece of advice to current and prospective students – especially those with disabilities – it would be this: find something you’re passionate about and throw yourself into it. Ask questions. Get involved. Trust the people around you. Passion carries you through the hard days, and the right environment helps you thrive.
“My journey is only just beginning. I’m still learning, still growing – and still chasing that medal.
“But if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this: with resilience, support and belief, anything really is possible.
“And I’ll always carry Wolverhampton with me on that journey.”
