This week on the grassroots Guy podcast I welcome old family friend Jonathan Tucker to the show. I was delighted that Jon agreed to come onto the podcast because he has a vast experience in local football and local cricket and has represented Somerset and England in disabled Cricket as well.
John, or JT as we know him spent his early years like many of his age group playing football and cricket in school as there was no consoles or computers to keep them entertained.
John made his senior football debut for Montacute football club, I’m later went on to play a good standard at Stoke sub Hamdon and Norton respectively. Jon was also one of the founding club members of the Stoke sub Hamdon Cricket club where he started at 16 years of age.
It wasn’t until 1996 where Jon was involved in a motorbike accident! It was here that Jon lost his leg above the knee and his life was turned upside down.
John however despite his set back, kept involved with local sports, venturing into football management at a local level, playing skittles and of course continued to play his beloved cricket. One day John was approached and asked if he’d like to get involved with Somerset disabled cricket club, which he duly did and eventually went on to Captain the side winning multiple county championships along the way. Most incredibly as well John went on to represent England where he believes he has around 20 caps for the National disabled cricket side. Jon has now played for Somerset DCC for 25 years and now coaches the youngsters coming through which he takes great pride in doing.
Jon is a testament to himself and an absolute legend in my eyes, it was a real joy to speak to Jon on a more serious level rather than over a pint at the local working mens club. Those who listen to the episode will realise that John loves a bit of a drink!
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