During a footballing career spanning fifteen years Larkin made over 320 professional appearances for teams including Everton, Wrexham, Shrewsbury Town, Carlisle and Hereford United.
Impressed with the enthusiasm of the students he returned to RNC to coach sports after finishing his playing career at Hereford United.
Under Larkin's stewardship the England squad qualified as Great Britain's entry for the 2008 Paralympic Games after finishing runners-up to Spain in the European Championships in 2006.
Larkin was instrumental in helping to establish the United Kingdom's first football academy for visually impaired players.
He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2016 Birthday Honours for services to Further Education and Disability Sport.