HEREFORDSHIRE students will be competing in a national final live on television this weekend.

Royal National College for the Blind Hereford will take on Merseyside Blind & VI FC in the Blind Final of the FA Disability Cup on Sunday (July 18) broadcast live on BT Sport (12.30pm to 2.45pm).

The two-time winners, who boast several England players in their team, including Dylan Malpas and Dan English, will be looking to take back the trophy from reigning champions Merseyside.

In addition, BT is using its FA partnerships to provide fans with new disability football content leading up to the competition, through a new mini-series Para Football Adventures, presented by Brooker alongside influencer and Merseyrail FC striker Chelcee Grimes.

All five episodes will individually air as short minute episodes in the week prior to the cup taking place.

David Clarke, director of services at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and England’s record goal scorer in blind football, said: “At RNIB, we are delighted that audio description is coming home for blind and partially sighted football fans.

"Previously, the best way to feel part of the action was to be in the stadium, but with BT Sport providing live audio description for all five finals of the FA Disability Cup, fans with sight loss can enjoy an enhanced listening experience.

"We hope this will demonstrate what is possible and inspire other broadcasters to consider offering live audio description for more of their sports output so blind or partially sighted fans never miss that crucial moment, whether it’s a vital goal, winning shot or game-changing action.”

Baroness Sue Campbell, The FA’s Director of Women's Football and the organisation’s strategic lead for disability football says this year's final will be the most exciting yet.

She added: “This year’s FA Disability Cup promises to be the most exciting yet, with some of the nation’s most successful grassroots teams set to compete to be crowned national champions in their respective disciplines.

"Disability football is a fast growing and important format of the game so to have all of the action broadcast live on BT Sport is fantastic news and will showcase the talent of all those involved, as well as inspiring newcomers.”