HEREFORD'S Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) will host next years IBSA Blind Football European Championships.

RNC successfully held the world championships in 2010 and its Point4 facility will once again be the centrepiece of the Euros that kick off next August.

The draw will take place on November 7.

England finished eighth at the 2013 European Championships in Italy but must finish in the top two this time around in order to qualify for the Rio Paralympic Games in 2016.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for England to benefit from home advantage to qualify for Rio,” said Tony Larkin, RNC Director and former Great Britain Head Coach.

"“The 3G pitch, which I believe provides a better playing experience for blind footballers, will also benefit England compared to the 4G surface most of our competitors are used to.”

Dave Clarke, former captain and England’s longest serving blind footballer, added: “The 2015 Euros in Hereford is a great opportunity to raise the profile of blind football in the UK.

"We played to a packed crowd in London and this is another great chance to watch a world class sporting event in the UK. I hope the England supporters get behind their team.”