EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD Richard Muff has earned a place in England's soccer team to play in the European championships next month.

Richard, who has cerebral palsy, will take part in the competition which is to be held in the last week in August.

He is heading for Kiev, capital of the Ukrain, where the games are to be staged, but the sport has already taken him to international competitions.

He recently returned from an event in Holland which included teams from the USA, Ireland and Scotland and in the final Spain were beaten in extra time by the USA. He also played in the first European Championships when he was just 15 years of age.

Despite his disability Richard is studying travel and tourism at Bradford College.

"The cerebral palsy mainly effects the muscles in my right side, but fortunately it doesn't often show," he said.

Now he is throwing himself into fund raising to help pay for the trip.

"The trip is going to cost about £15,000 and each player has been asked to raise £1,000 so I am looking for sponsors who can help," he said.

Any individuals or organisations who can help towards the cost are asked to contact Richard on 01274-560400.