KATIE Christopher has been selected for the first ever England women’s blind football team.

The Llandrindod Wells raised goalkeeper will be part of the English squad which competes in the IBSA Euros 2022 in Italy after impressing at training camps at St George’s Park.

Proud mum Julie said: “Katie first discovered blind football while volunteering for a charity called VICTA at RNC Hereford.

“She got talking to some of those involved and they asked her to go along and train with the RNC team.

“She started playing games for them regularly, this resulted in her attending the FA Disability Cup 2021 at St George’s Park with RNC.

“RNC’s first keeper was out with an injury so Katie had to step in and fill some very big boots. RNC won the final thanks to a spectacular save of a penalty by Katie.”

In blind football, the goalkeeper is the only member of the team permitted to be fully sighted, and has a key role in organising team-mates.

Katie is a former member of the Llandrindod Wells junior and women’s section which has gone from strength to strength.