By Eleanor Prince

A UNIVERSITY of Worcester student has become a rising star in England's Visually Impaired football team.

Paul McHugh, 21, from Coventry, has been studying at the university for the past two years on a full scholarship for the sports coaching science with disability course.

From the age of 12 to 16, he had spells at Stoke City, Birmingham City, Burton Albion and Cheltenham Town, but his visual impairment held him back.

Paul suffers with Nystagmus, a condition where the eyes involuntarily move, resulting in limited vision. The effect can be inconsistent and sight range can vary depending on factors such as light, tiredness or stress.

“In my case, light was the major factor," he said. "It directed me to futsal, a smaller version of football recognised by FIFA – the sport's compact nature supports performers with a visual impairment.”

From there, he made his way on to the England Visually Impaired team and has become a star player with a prolific goal-scoring record, and shone at the Partially Sighted Football World Championships in Italy in May this year.

Paul has scored 24 goals in 26 games for England and has won three medals including a silver in Italy.

“These achievements have enabled me to obtain additional support from institutes, such as the university who kindly offered me a full scholarship.

“Winning the silver medal at the world championships held in Cagliari, Italy, 2017 was a proud moment for me, particularly when considering our ability to out-finish more naturally established futsal nations such as Spain, Russia, France and Japan.”

With the university’s help, Paul has been able to develop the Worcester Futsal Club.

“The club currently partners with a number of local clubs and institutes in order to offer both elite and recreational futsal for a range of different age groups in Worcester,” he said. “We now aim to finish high in the FA National League and have a positive cup run within the FA Cup.”