BYRON Down is counting down the days until he represents Great Britain at the European U21 Deaf Championships in Poland.

The 17-year-old, from Chelmsford, has been selected for the 20-man squad after eight months of trials around the country.

He is the youngest player in the squad and it is the first time he will have represented his country.

Now the former Great Baddow High School pupil cannot wait to get started after watching the European Championships.

" I am very excited and looking forward to going away to Poland but a little nervous as well, having to play in front of 9000 people," the Chelsmford College student said.

"But having the European Championships on TV at the moment is a constant reminder that in five weeks I will be standing to the National Anthem before a game."

Britain will be up against Russia, Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic in the group, with Russia the favourites as they train every week and are funded by their football federation.

Down, who can play as a striker or on the wing, believes the team stand a good chance of success in Wroclaw in August.

But first he has to find £1,000 to cover the expenses of travelling to and playing in the competition. He has set up page at https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/byron-down to help raise funds.

Down started playing football when he was nine and has played for clubs in Harlow, Epping and Grays.

He was captain of Tottenham Hotspur's deaf Futsal team for four years and joined London team Gensis after becoming too old to play for Spurs.

He is also on the Deaf England Talent Pathway and regularly attends training sessions with the team.

The Chelmsford teenager's ambitions are to play in the Deaf Champions League final. continue his GB career and make the men's team when he is old enough, so that he can play in the Deaf World Cup and Olympics.