MEMBERS of a learning disability football team in the region hope to be flying the flag for the North-East as national ‘envoys’ in the Middle-East next year.

But the two players and two members of coaching staff from former County Durham Football Club of the Year, Beamish Dynamos, face a funding dilemma to enable them to make the dream trip to represent the nation in Abu Dhabi, next spring.

The quartet from the North-East Ability League side, based at North Durham Academy, in Stanley, were thrilled to recently receive their respective call-ups to represent Great Britain in the 2019 Special Olympics.

But their families’ initial joy was slightly diluted on learning they must raise a minimum £2,500 to cover the cost of participating in the games, which are being held for the first time in the Middle-East, in the United Arab Emirates capital.

For team-mates Liam Lister and Ryan Anstey it is a step-up, having both represented the Northern Region, with several other Dynamos, in the National Games in Sheffield, last year.

The seven club members, who played in three seven-a-side teams, came home with two gold medals and a silver.

Both Ryan and Liam will have the familiar backing of their own club’s management duo, Bobby Coltman and Anthony Marsden, who have been selected as head coach and coach, for the GB football squad.

For Mr Coltman, it will be the second time he has coached the national team.

The Dynamos’ founder, along with father Tom nine-years-ago, was also coach to the GB 11-a-side team, which won gold in the 2015 games, in Los Angeles.

Ryan’s dad, Nick, said all four Dynamos are seeking out funding and sponsorship to help reach their fundraising goals.

“The public generally are probably unaware that, unlike the Paralympics and Olympic Games, themselves, people taking part in the Special Olympics do not receive any funding.

“We have just set up a Just Giving crowd-funding page, and we’re looking into possible grants, while we also have some other fundraising ideas.

“Any publicity we receive can only help spread the word and help Ryan and the others to achieve their target, and might also help their family members, who are official carers, to also travel to Abu Dhabi.”

Anyone wishing to support can do so via Mr Anstey’s Facebook page, or search in crowd funding for Ryan Anstey.