Former England U21 soccer coach Aidy Boothroyd reveals Parkinson’s diagnosis

By: The Associated Press Posted: 10:58 AM CDT Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2025

LONDON (AP) — Former England Under-21 coach Aidy Boothroyd revealed Wednesday he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s three years ago.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

LONDON (AP) — Former England Under-21 coach Aidy Boothroyd revealed Wednesday he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s three years ago.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 26/03/2025 (558 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

LONDON (AP) — Former England Under-21 coach Aidy Boothroyd revealed Wednesday he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s three years ago.

Boothroyd coached Watford in the Premier League before he took over the vacant England Under-21 job in 2016 when Gareth Southgate was promoted to coach the national team.

“It has taken me time to feel ready to share my diagnosis, and I have found it difficult not being completely open with people,” the 54-year-old Boothroyd said in a statement released by the League Managers Association.

FILE - England head coach Gareth Southgate, left, talks with Under 21 manager and delegation member Adrian Boothroyd on the pitch before the quarterfinal match between Sweden and England at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Samara Arena, in Samara, Russia, Saturday, July 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)

Parkinson’s is a neurologic disease that affects control of a person’s movements. It typically starts with tremors and is characterized by slow movement, a shuffling gait, stiff limbs, balance problems and slurred speech.

“Personally, my passion and love for coaching is as strong as ever,” said Boothroyd, whose last job was in India two years ago. “I am focusing on keeping physically fit, which is key to slowing down the progression of Parkinson’s.”

Boothroyd spent five years in the England job and took his team to the semifinals of the Under-21 European Championship in 2017.

He said his focus is now on keeping fit and bringing more awareness to the condition.

“To be honest it’s been a burden, three years it’s taken me to come to this position,” Boothroyd said. “Psychologically it’s been tough, physically it’s been easier.”