England Blind team set for Germany test at next Euros

Saturday 22 Nov 2014
The England Blind squad in training at St. George's Park
The countdown to the 2016 Paralympics has begun with the England facing Germany at the Blind Football European Championship in Hereford next August.

England and Germany are joined in Group A by Italy, Turkey and Poland while Spain, France, Russia, Greece and Belgium make up the other side of the draw.

Only the two finalists are guaranteed a place at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio.

"They’re an up and coming team in the blind game that we should be looking to beat"

England Head Coach Jon Pugh

England Head Coach, Jon Pugh, commented: “It’s a similar group to the last Euros we played in and we certainly have some old scores to settle.

“In football, England and Germany share a great rivalry but they’re an up and coming team in the blind game that we should be looking to beat.”

The FA recently announced a £1m investment into Blind Football and launched the England team’s brand new training pitch at St. George’s Park last month.

Dave Clarke, former England and Team GB Blind Football captain, added: “When I was young there were no pathways to play for school, club or country so a lot of effort has gone into creating blind football as a formidable sport.

“What is important is what we do now and it’s vital that the whole country gets behind the Euros in 2015.

“Let’s give our own team a fantastic chance of winning not just this tournament but also the Paralympics in Rio.”

The 10th IBSA Blind Football European Championships take place at thePoint4, RNC’s fully accessible and multi-purpose sports facility across August 22-29 2015.

Tickets will go on sale in December via the event website, www.blindeuros.co.uk.


By FA Staff