WORCESTER players will bid to ensure England shine in their first home Emerald Cup tournament.

England Futnet Association host four other national teams in a doubles and triples competition at the University of Bedford on Saturday, May 5, from 9am.

The tournament for the football-tennis sport has previously been hosted by Ireland in Dublin.

Worcester-born England head coach Luke Suthard said: “It’s a real honour to host an international futnet tournament here in England.

"Since my involvement, it’s always been an aim of mine to bring this great sport to the doorstep of residents in England with a view to influence more people to get involved.

"With the support and backing from the participating national associations and the world governing body, we feel privileged to host such an event which I hope the locals and students of Bedford will enjoy.”

The 2016 cup saw England go undefeated when winning both the doubles and triples.

Worcester's Samuel Parsons and Joshua Edge were also involved along with Suthard who is also president of the association.

They reached the doubles final at the world championships only to fall to Costa Rica.

England and fellow participants Ireland, Germany and Ukraine along with either Russia or France are preparing for the next world championships in Romania later this year.

For more details, follow @futnetengland on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.