A DORSET footballer has been selected from thousands of other hopefuls to play for the Manchester United Deaf Team.

Twenty-year-old George Stockton, pictured inset, from Blandford, a second year undergraduate at UCFB Burnley, has been picked to play in the team’s monthly matches which are supported by over 1,000 fans.

Part of the Manchester United Foundation, George’s appointment to the team follows a summer of training with the Team GB deaf men’s football team.

George said: “I have always been a huge football fan so to get to play for a team like this is amazing. The summer was filled with football as I trained with Team GB’s deaf team and it has been a really good grounding for joining this team and for learning what is expected of players.

“I have ambitions to play for Team GB in the future, so this is an opportunity for me to continue training and build upon the foundations made over the summer. I love going to watch live football so to play to a crowd of this size will be a dream come true.”

George is studying for a degree in football business and finance after completing a BTEC National Diploma in sport at Gloucestershire College.

UCFB enables undergraduates to study a traditional academic subject within the context of an industry for which they have a genuine passion.

Philip Wilson, chief executive at UCFB Burnley and Wembley, said: “It is fantastic when students are recognised for their love of football not only within the walls of UCFB, but also in their life beyond their academic commitments.

“George’s love of the game has translated well into his studies and it is great that his commitment is also being recognised on the pitch.”