The world comes to Hereford from this weekend for the International Blind Sports Association soccer tournament. And England are hoping to be crowned world champions.
In an opening ceremony on Saturday afternoon featuring county schoolchildren, the theme is creating a legacy for the future of disabled sports.
At 3pm, England kick off against Spain at the Royal National College’s thePoint4 centre in Venns Lane.
England coach Tony Larkin told the Journal: “Ticket sales have been going great and we are expecting capacity crowds of 900 at many games.
England are rated in the top six and the winners of the final, on Sunday, August 22, go through to the 2012 Paralympics.”
The home side beat Greece in recent warm-up matches.
Among the other favourites are Brazil, Argentina, China, France and Spain.
The runners-up will go away with silver and bronze.
Tony added: “These guys are world class and I would urge anyone interested to come along and see them in action.”
One of the hot shots on show is England skipper Dave Clarke who has topped 100 goals in as many games.
Former paralympic swimmer Chris Holmes is also in town, promoting disability sports in advance of the 2012 Paralympics, also taking place in Britain.
Sir Trevor Brooking and former England goalkeeper Ray Clemence, representing the FA, will be at the Courtyard on Wednesday, August 18, answering questions from BBC sports journalist Des Kelly.
Sticking to the theme of creating a legacy for the future, Radio 5’s Fighting Talk is coming live from the college on Saturday, August 21, at 11am.
Ticketing details can be found on www.blind2010.com