THE Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) played host to four specialist educational colleges for the Natpsec Games 2017.

The regional tournament focusses on fun competition for young people with a variety of disabilities and RNC were joined representatives from Derwen College, Coleg Elidyr, QAC and Hereward College.

Students took part in three competitive sports; boccia, goalball and five-a-side football and had the opportunity to try out the golf simulator.

A boccia battle involving Derwen and RNC was so close that the result could only be determined by a measuring tape, while QAC students tried goalball for the first time, scoring twice in a 9-2 defeat.

In the football, each college developed as the games progressed, making the matches exciting and full of suspense.

Hereward College scored in three of their four games, and Coleg Elidyr were the most improved side of the day, managing one win out of their four matches.

John Lynch, director of learning and curriculum at RNC, said: “It was fantastic to play host to colleges from across the region for the 2017 Natspec Games.

"All of the matches were played in the right spirit and were a great reflection of the ethos that all of the colleges have.

"For some, it was the first time that they had tried one or more of the sports, which is what the Games are all about.”

Meanwhile, the RNC blind football team were recently celebrating after clinching the Disability Cup.

A hat-trick from Robin Williams saw RNC prevail 3-2 against Merseyside Blind FC, who were the National Blind Football League winners.

Liam Archer captained the side and was presented with the trophy by FA participation and development director Kelly Simmons.

As for the women, Lois Turner, Kali Holder, Reanne Rackatoo and Abi James-Miller represented England for the first ever IBSA Blind Football camp and tournament in Vienna.

A total of 75 people from 16 countries took part and was held as part of the UEFA-funded IBSA Blind Football European Development Project, and in partnership with the Austrian Disability Sports Federation.

The five-day activity consisted of training and matches, with the final day featuring a four team tournament.

England finished third after beating Russia on penalties; Kali Holder scoring the winning goal.

RNC are looking to run a weekly women’s only blind football session and plans are already being put in place to develop women’s blind football nationally, with The FA using RNC to be the driving force behind the initiative.