Inspirational Mansfield man Nathan Edge, who went blind two years ago, is urging other people with major sight problems to give blind football a go as it comes to Nottinghamshire.

Nathan, who recently took up the sport, is training at the regional talent centre at Holmes Park, the home of Leicestershire and Rutland FA, and hopes to progress to the England set-up.

“Things were going amazing after working hard to rebuild my life after losing all of my sight in February 2014,” he said.

“However, last year I felt there was still bits of me missing. I had started running again, which changed my life in many ways, but all the time I kept wondering if I should give football another try.

“When I heard about blind football I questioned whether it would be right for me. I thought it would be too different to the sighted football I grew up with, but I am so happy I gave it a try.

“I no longer have that feeling of being at a disadvantage due to my sight loss as we are all on a level playing field. I can just focus on enjoying the game again and aiming to succeed.”

Nathan, a Mansfield Town fan, is known for fundraising for the charity Guide Dogs after receiving his guide dog, Hudson.

The Nottinghamshire FA, in partnership with the FA and Leicestershire and Rutland County FA, is hosting a taster event at the end of February for blind players looking to get involved, on 27th February, from 2pm to 4pm, at Harvey Haddon Sports Village sports hall, Wigman Road, Nottingham, NG8 4PB.

The FAs will then hold eight Thursday sessions, from 24th March to 19th May, from 2.30pm-4pm, at the same venue. All sessions are free.

To book and for more information, contact Philippa Bass on [email protected] or call 0116 2844952 / 07944 194252.