The Championships themselves will be played between the 11th and 18th December at the Manchester Veladrome.

To help celebrate guest Managers from several Northwest clubs, along with schoolchildren from main, special schools and sports clubs along with local dignitaries will be on hand to sign a gigantic "Good Luck" card for the 10 man England squad.

Mark Bushell from the Museum said: "The Partially Sighted Squad should be recognised for the outstanding work that they have done in recent years in developing and promoting their game. Just as the Full England squad and Women’s team enjoy the respect of the nation so should the Partially Sighted team."

The 5 a-side games, known as Futsal, are played on a blue pitch with a white ball to allow greater visibility. The size 4 ball is also weighted allowing players to control it more easily on the ground. Each half lasts 20 minutes

12 teams will compete in the tournament including France, Russia, Spain, Brazil, Italy and European and World Champions Belarus, who are favourites for the Championship. But, as Bushell explained, they may have an advantage:

"Their players are semi-professional and live and train together and are government funded so they will have an obvious head start. However, England has a strong squad and have improved over the last few years. As hosts they have not had to qualify whilst the other teams have qualified through their own world areas so the standard is extremely high."

After the England squad have toured the Museum and been presented with their huge good luck card, former Manchester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Derby County winger and now Carlisle Manager Paul Simpson, along with former Glasgow Rangers star and now Preston North End Manager, Billy Davies will take on a number of squad members, including England Captain Stephen Daley, in a penalty shoot out competition.