KATIE Christopher has shared her pride after representing England at the IBSA Blind World Games in Birmingham.

The Llandrindod Wells raised goalkeeper insisted the future was bright for the game after the English competed in their first ever World Cup.

Christopher said: “I’ve been playing blind football with the men for four years now. 

“The FA started up a women’s blind football team about 18 months ago and I was selected for the European Championships in June 2022 but a week before the championships I tore my hamstring.

“I played one game but was not able to perform at my best.

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“12 months later and I am in the best condition possible, preparation has been really good and the girls have progressed so much.

“The whole tournament experience has been amazing, the IBSA world games has over 1,700 athletes competing over many different blind sports. We had an athletes village and the atmosphere was just amazing, something I have never experienced before."

County Times:

An opening game defeat against Japan was followed by draws with Christopher keeping a pair of clean sheets.

She added: “The progression of the squad throughout the tournament has been amazing. I had two clean sheets which was super rewarding for the amount of work I put in preparing for this tournament.

“We have so much talent in the squad and some real superstars. We are very lucky that the FA are very supportive and have invested in blind football and para football, meaning that we will now meet as a squad every other week, which will be vital for our development.”