The 2008 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics are now just over a year away, and for England's Blind footballers, dreams of competing still remain a reality.

After discussions last year with the British Olympic Association, Tony Larkin, Head Coach of the England team was appointed in the same role for the GB squad.

With England having the most developed blind football infrastructure of the four home nations due to long term FA funding, it is likely that the bulk of the squad, should they qualify, will be English.

The team continued their preparations with a recent tournament victory in Thessalonika, Greece, in part thanks to a nine goal haul by striker David Clarke.

In temperatures rising to 104 degrees, England started off with a 1-1 draw against the hosts, followed by a 2-0 victory over Italy and another 1-1 stalemate with China, competing in their very first Blind football tournament.

With The Three Lions finishing in the top two, it was Greece again in the final, with Larkin's side running out 5-1 winners, Clarke bagging all five goals.

Next up is the European Championship in Athens in September, where a top two finish would secure qualification for Beijing.

Spain will once again be the team to beat, with Greece, Italy, France, Germany, Portugal, Russia, Bulgaria and Cyprus also entered.

Eighteen months ago, Larkin's concern was that his squad was ageing, with little sign of new blood coming through.

"We advertised on TheFA.com last year and contacted some organisations like the Royal National Institute for the Blind," Tony told TheFA.com. "And after some trials, younger players are now beginning to make their mark.

"We were without our skipper Darren Harris in Greece, so Aj Ahmed took on the captain's armband and players like Keryn Seal, Andrew Briant and Simon Hill are all beginning to establish themselves on the international stage."

The squad have three training weekends in July and a couple more in August ahead of Athens, with the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford providing the venue.

"At the moment we're hoping to become an Academy in Hereford as part of a potential €21million project," added Tony.

The FA, Worcester University and the National Learning and Skills Council are all looking at the viability of supporting blind and partially sighted learners between the ages of 16-25, with Tony describing the 'Academy' as potentially "providing the best opportunities for people to flourish and work towards their full potential in football, education and their personal development".

There will be more Blind Football trials in the Autumn and if you are interested in more details, please email Jeff.Davis@TheFA.com.