Three young Seagull Specials have set their sights on the World Cup for kids with learning disabilities in Japan.

Ryan Healey, Michael Ishola and James Horton will take part in trials for the England squad in Walthamstow, east London, tomorrow.

They are hopeful they can take a step towards securing their place in Japan in August.

Coach Teresa Sanders said: "It's fantastic news for Ryan, Michael and James that they have been nominated to take part in the trials.

"They are very young. The minimum age for players to be considered is 16. Ryan is 17 while Michael and James are still 15 but will be the minimum age when the World Cup takes place.

"It would be a dream trip for them all and I wish them well."

Sanders will attend the trials with striker Healey, midfielder Horton and defender Ishola.

She said: "They've all been part of the Specials set-up for a long time. Michael has been with us for four-and-a-half years, while Ryan and James have played for three.

"I hope they can do themselves proud, but really they can also use it as a great experience - an education.

"And when the next World Cup comes around in four years time they will have more of an idea of the standard expected.

"I will be able to use the trials to benefit the Specials because I hope to pick up some coaching tips that I can put into practice."

The three selected are looking forward to tomorrow.

Horton said: "We are really excited. It would be great to be picked for the World Cup. It would be the best thing that has happened to me in my football career."

The trio have helped to push the side's bid for the National Disability League title this season.

They face Chelsea twice in the next month as they bid to go top.

Specials overcame Reading 6-3 in a friendly at Portslade. Horton and Healey each scored twice while fullback Ishola and Michael Blake were also on target.

LEE Newman put club before country when he pulled out of the English Colleges squad for today's match against English Schools at Lilleshall.

The Brighton, Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College pupil chose instead to be available for Lewes's clash at Kidsgrove in the last 32 of the FA Vase, according to BHASVIC manager and teacher Alan Sanders.

BHASVIC student Liam O'Brien also pulled out, citing an injury.

Sanders said: "I've got to say I'm very surprised Lee has given up the chance. He could have up to 15 years with Lewes but there's only one chance to be a college international.

"But you have to respect his decision. He did ask if he could play for the Colleges against the RAF the day before and then be released to play for Lewes the following day.

"But the English Colleges felt the Lilleshall game was the main one. I spoke to the chairman of selectors, Dewi Cook, and he said that Lee and Liam were an integral part of the squad."

BRIGHTON, Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College remain top of the National Academy League after a 4-1 victory over Chichester Tech who beat them in the semi-final of the County Cup. Liam O'Brien scored twice and Seb Allen and Shaheen Sadough netted one apiece in the away fixture at Broadfield Stadium, Crawley, where Chi are hosts for their league fixtures.

WORTHING Sixth Form College, minus injured ace Grant Vanson, surprised previously unbeaten BHASVIC in the Sussex First XI Cup qualifiers with a 4-1 victory. Josh Briggs (2), Daniel Rushden and David Green scored.

If they win their final two matches nd BHSVIC draw their last game, Worthing will top the qualifying group.