One of the best strikers in the world, the Scot talks about her career in blind football and the Euros

Helga has spotted a pigeon just outside the changing rooms at Poltonhall Sports Complex in Bonnyrigg and it suddenly becomes clear from her ears, tongue and tail that she would very much like to chase it. But not today. She is a good girl, she resists the exciting temptation, and stays true to her task. Helga, a three-year-old black labrador, is a guide dog, partnered with the England women’s blind football captain, Sam Gough, and the duo have important work to do.

Gough is preparing for the 2026 IBSA Women’s Blind Football European Championship, which gets under way in Istanbul on Saturday, full of confidence in her everyday life since partnering with Helga last year, a moment she says has been liberating.

This year Postcode Lottery players are helping Guide Dogs to fund life-changing partnerships like Sam and Helga. To find out more about Guide Dogs, you can visit guidedogs.org.uk

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