AN EVENTS organiser is putting together south London’s first football team for blind people.

Paul McNamara, aged 33, is hoping to put together a team for blind and partially-sighted people to compete in the national league.

He has already been awarded a grant from the London Football Association worth £500 to help with running costs.

Mr McNamara said: “We’re moving on in leaps and bounds. Loads of people are getting involved and helping - but we’re still going to need to raise more money.”

Blind players wear eyemasks and use a ball containing metal bearings which makes a noise when it moves.

Goalkeepers are sighted, but not allowed to leave their areas.

Players are classified across three levels, according to their level of sight.

Mr McNamara said: “When you see what the guys do, it's really unbelievable.

“I wanted to get involved with disabled football and, looking around Greenwich, which is a big old borough, there wasn’t anything else like this.”

Called AFC Greenwich, the team hopes to start training at the Eltham town ground in Footscray Road.

Mr McNamara said: “Once the team is up and running we want to take part in the national league.

“So far there’s only one team in london and they’re all based north of the river.

“We want to be the first in south London and hopefully get other people started too.”

If you want to get involved with the team, call Mr McNamara on 07707 735 032 or email afcgreenwich@sky.com