VISUALLY impaired footballers will represent Winsford in a national league this season.

Winsford Wolves are set to make their debut in FA National Visually Impaired League Division Two.

Manager Craig Acton, who is registered blind, established the club in April alongside Joshua Downing, sighted coach Claire Acton and secretary Natasha Jenkins.

And the 28-year-old has attracted players from all over the country to join Wolves.

“I came up with the idea with a friend as The team we played for last season folded, so we thought we’d set up our own,” explained former Verdin High School student Acton.

“I’m friends with other visually impaired players and we wanted to play in a league, which runs from September to April.

“We’ve got players from London and Essex who will travel, so they are all very dedicated.”

Wolves have the backing of Winsford United, and are due to play a friendly with Blues on Saturday.

Blues development officer Chris Appleton added: “This link is another step in the right direction and building a positive image within Winsford.

“It's also brilliant to be able to help Winsford Wolves in establishing as it’s a fantastic incentive“With players travelling from the length of the country, the dedication shown is magnificent and we are very excited to work alongside the Wolves.”

Acton says creating Winsford Wolves was easier than he expected after help from Winsford United and Cheshire FA.

They have also received sponsorship from Ramwell’s Opticians, CBS Solutions and The Cutting Corner.

The league meets once a month in a central location, usually Birmingham, where Wolves will play all the other sides in their division.

But the player-manager, who has returned from a cruciate ligament reconstruction, does not intend to merely make up the numbers.

“Not many have a club behind them likes ourselves with Winsford United, who have been fantastic,” he explained.

“Looking at the team we have got there is no reason we can’t be challenging for promotion, a lot of players have played for a few years and we’ve got a strong team – that would be fantastic.

“I’ve been playing for 12 years but was out for 18 months. It’s my first season back so I’m just getting started and getting back to fitness.

“I kept focused on the idea that I would be playing again.

“I’m a striker who would score 30 to 40 goals a season and came back for my first tournament with 17, so I was happy with that.”