Inspirational blind Hull footballer guides nation to international victory

ENGLAND CLAIMED TROPHY WITH LAST-SECOND GOAL

- By COREENA FORD

INSPIRATIONAL Hull sportsman Roy Turnham has told of his pride after leading England's blind football team to its first ever international trophy.

Roy, 39, who was registered blind from birth, told how he was elated to lift the IBSA Blind Football Nations Cup in India last week.

The trophy was claimed by the squad after six games in seven days and a dramatic last-second goal in the final, winning 1-0 against Paralympic silver medallists Iran. And the win represents a remarkable achievement for Roy, who moved to Hull six years ago and has only been able to perceive light and dark since he was a boy.

His lack of sight, however, has never got in the way of living a full life.

Always sporty, his childhood was packed with everything from cricket, to judo, swimming and football, and he also toured as a clarinettist with the Liverpool youth orchestra.

He was selected for the provisional GB blind football squad for London 2012 and went on to become one of the first English blind footballers to be offered a central contract for funding by the FA.

Last week the Para Lions took the international title following the last gasp goal by Eesa Amjid against Iran, in the final of the IBSA Blind Football Nations Cup in Kakkanad.

Roy also topped his goal-scoring tally in the third game, now reaching 58 international goals.

The game is played with all players on the field wearing eye shades and the goalkeepers are sighted. The ball contains a bell or a rattle inside that makes noise when kicked.

Roy said: "It's been a bit of a dream come true, for the squad as well.