IT’S every young football fan’s dream to represent their country at the World Cup.

And for two young men from Tynedale, it is about to become a reality.

For Edward Common (22), of Hexham, and Sam Smith (17), of Wylam, have been selected in England’s eight-man squad for the upcoming Federation Internationale de Powerchair Football (FIPFA) World Cup in Florida.

The friends, who both suffer from muscular dystrophy, are big players for Percy Hedley Foundation’s successful Northern Thunder side, with Edward captaining the team.

They will now head to America in July to battle it out against the hosts USA – who have won the two previous competitions – along with Argentina, Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Japan, Ireland and Uruguay.

Edward’s mother Lorna said: “The team from England is a very strong one, and both Edward and Sam are a big part of that team. They believe they can bring home the FIPFA World Cup!”

Chin up for charity - page 39