WESTFIELDS’ Jon Pugh is rated among the world’s top-three goalkeepers in Blind Football, according to Great Britain boss Tony Larkin.

But the 31-year-old self-employed builder is struggling to fund his trip to Beijing.

Goalkeepers are the only sighted players in a Blind Football Team. They are not eligible for funding from the British Paralympic Association.

Pugh said: “We will be away for three-and-a-half weeks in which I will be away from work and not earning money, so I am worried about the implications this will have on my family.” Pugh has been playing international Blind Football for more than a decade.

Larkin says Pugh is the team’s number one goalkeeper and an experienced player.

“I think he’s among the best three Blind Football goalkeepers in the world,” said Larkin. “He has been with the team since 1997 and he’s a very important part of the team. He helps to organise the defence and communicates with the players. Jon is self-employed but, because he’s not visually impaired, he doesn’t qualify for task funding. Therefore, we are trying to raise funds for Jon’s loss of income.” Herefordshire Sports Council have contributed £500 towards the cost of Pugh’s trip.

Bryan White, honorary secretary for Herefordshire Sports Council, said: “One of our objectives is to recognise and wherever possible reward excellence. To reach the highest national representational honour in these circumstances is a situation in which we felt we must offer assistance.” Pugh believes that a medal in China would be a deserved reward for Larkin.

“Tony puts a huge amount of time and effort into the sport, and also has a full-time job. He’s remarkable.”