ESSEX County FA senior development officer John Manning hopes the local disability football fraternity will draw enthusiasm from Roy Hodgson’s Three Lions side at Euro 2012 by trying out at the next England Football Talent Event on Saturday, July 7, at Shenfield High School in Brentwood.

Just days after a potential tournament-clinching final in Poland and the Ukraine at the start of the month, experienced coaches will see who has what it takes to be the next disability football star from 1.30pm to 4.30pm at the second of two Football Association regional events this summer, with the first due to take place in Newham on Saturday, June 23.

“Dream It! Believe It! Achieve It!” is the message behind the England Talent Days, which are open to both boys and girls.

They offer the opportunity for children in school Years 7 to 11 – in key stages three and four – to find out more about local opportunities to play as well as the FA’s England and Great Britain Disability football squads.

Players in mainstream or inclusive teams, or individuals who are not currently involved in playing football, are all invited to attend.

The event is targeted at numerous impairment groups, including: Cerebral Palsy (Ambulant), Blind, Partially Sighted, Amputee, Learning Disability and Deaf.

Mr Manning, said: “There is a clear route for a player with a disability to move from grassroots through to a national team, and you can enter this at any point.

“We’ve engaged with over 200 young people who have a disability in football activities but, of those players, only one has gone on to represent England for an impairment specific team.

“Although this is a great achievement, there may be more talent within the county’s schools and clubs who would appreciate a similar opportunity.

“If you have a player with a disability in your club or school, bring them along.

“They wouldn’t need to leave their club or school setting, this would just open an avenue for them to see how far their talent will take them.”

Call Mr Manning on 01245 393095.