RICHARD Basden is setting up a new wheelchair football team in Hereford.

The Manchester United fan is organising a demonstration day at thePoint4 in Venns Lane later this month.

Richard, who lives in Almeley, has been playing wheelchair football for 11 years and has previously set up a team at his former college.

“I have played the sport for 11 years and I have played in the National League,” said Richard, who moved to Herefordshire with his family a couple of years ago. “We already have three or four people interested in joining the new Hereford Wheelchair Football Club.

“Wheelchair football is a very good, safe sport and anyone can play it - and it’s a lot of fun.

“We are looking for disabled people living in and around Herefordshire to come and watch and register their interest in playing.”

Richard, 24, also said that the new Hereford team will be looking for a head coach and an assistant coach. Teams from Telford, Swindon, West Bromwich and Milton Keynes have been invited to take part in Hereford Wheelchair Football Club’s demonstration event.

The day, at thePoint4, takes place between 11.30am and 4pm on Saturday, June 29.

“Coaching will be given by the Wheelchair Football Association,” said Richard.

“Wheelchair football is a four-a-side game and players have special bumpers attached to their chair. The game is played with a large football and the goalposts are slightly wider than the normal game and we don’t have nets.”

Matches are 20 minutes each half and Richard said players can get yellow and or red cards for foul play.

“I believe wheelchair football has been played in the past in Leominster but that has stopped now,” he said. “We have secured funding from Hereford Round Table for the demonstration day and we hope to attract funding for the protective pads that players will need.”

Richard has been supported by his dad, Kevin, and his carers, in putting the event together.

His mum, Sue, said: “Since we moved to Herefordshire, setting up a wheelchair football club has always been Richard’s ambition.

“There was a tournament played in Nottingham recently and Richard went up to watch - he loves football. He went to college in Hampshire and persuaded them to re-start their wheelchair football team.

“Anyone can play the game - boys, girls, men and women. “It’s a popular sport with people who have been injured in the armed services.”

For more details about wheelchair football, call Richard Basden on 01544 340246 or email: hereford.wfc@aol.co.uk See the club’s Facebook page, Hereford Wheelchair Football Club, or follow them on Twitter: @HerefordWFC