A ROYAL National College for the Blind student was part of an England squad that competed in a goalball contest in Denmark.

Joe Roper, 18, joined a squad of six players that were identified through the Goalball UK talent pathway following a camp that took place at the RNC.

Along with his team mates, Roper was entered into the Danish Open (Youth) section of the tournament to face four other teams.

The England Talent team won all of the games convincingly, winning by the mercy rule (10 clear goals) in two of them.

A decision was then made to hand pick some stronger opposition for the Sunday in the hope that it would provide a tougher test.

Five players were selected from the higher section of the Danish competition and all of the players selected to face England were current members of the international men’s Senior team.

“Due to his performances throughout the weekend, Joe was selected to start the final game in the centre and was given the task of leading the England Talent team,” said John Lynch, director of learning and curriculum at RNC.

"England, and Joe in particular, started the game very well and frustrated the Danish team with some very solid defence, proving very hard to break down.”

The youth players conceded two late goals to lose 8-5 to Denmark, but Lynch said Roper acquitted himself well.

“Joe represented himself and the College extremely well throughout the weekend and reinforced how RNC is supporting and producing athletes that are capable of competing at the highest level,” he said.

“Joe has a bright future in the sport.”