Goalkeeper Gary Marheineke will represent England in two major tournaments – and the generosity of Mick George Ltd has eased his financial burden.

Marheineke, a well-known figure in local footballing circles, is the number one for the national amputee side.

He will be between the sticks in the Amp Futbol Cup, in Poland, this weekend and the first European Championships in Turkey, in October.

Marheineke has had to raise £1,500 to participate in both tournaments and Mick George Ltd have donated £500 towards that figure.

Marheineke said: “Amputee football is one of the most spectacular and surprising sports around. More than 30 countries in five continents now play the game.

“I’m hugely grateful to Mick George Ltd for their sponsorship contribution towards me playing in the two major tournaments this year.”

Marheineke played in the World Cup for Great Britain back in 2014, but England now has a stand-alone association for amputee football.

Jon Stump, finance director at Mick George Ltd, said: “We’re engaged with a number of sports-based initiatives, from grassroots to professional levels.

“The recent Paralympics showcased the world of amputee sports in a great light. It’s something we’re happy to support, especially at a local level.

“We hope others will follow in our footsteps to help Gary achieve his targets.”