England IBSA Blind Football European Championships hopes for Ledbury goalkeeper Lewis Skyers

The 31-year-old, a former John Masefield High School pupil, is preparing for the event at Hereford’s Royal National College for the Blind (RNC), starting on August 22.

Spain are the holders, while Poland and Belgium will be making their debuts in the 10-nation competition.

Only the two finalists will reach the Paralympic Games in Rio 2016 and this is Eng - land’s last chance to qualify.

“My hopes for the Blind Euros are quite straight - forward,” said Skyers, who played for Worcester City and teams in Herefordshire before making the move into blind football.

“I want to play for the team an I want us to become champions.

“We’ve got the best ever chance this time. We’ve never been so well prepared and supported in terms of coaching and training. And, for those of us who are local, this is absolutely the most brilliant chance to shine in our home area.”

Skyers was studying sports science at the University of Worcester when he was introduced to the game of blind football through the national league.

Skyers’ first game for England took place in Thessalonica, Greece in 2010.

It was a four nations tournament, which England won, prior to the World Championships in Hereford that year.

He recalled how proud he felt to represent his coun - try. “That tremendous feeling is still there. My family love football and it’s great to know you’re making them proud, too.”

The camaraderie among the England team is fantastic, as Lewis described, “We’ve all got a common goal and because the squad is relatively small we know each other and get on very well,” he said.

“The fact that I am sighted and my teammates have visual impairments doesn’t make any difference.

“I feel we’re all on a level.

Disability doesn’t have to hold you back, and the determination of my colleagues is an inspiration.”

England kick off their campaign against Poland in the opening match on August 22