TWO visually impaired young Saints fans have been able to see their football heroes clearly for the first time.

Southampton players James Ward-Prowse, Jack Stephens and Oriol Romeu surprised Joshua, 14, and ten-year-old Florence Heffer in the home dressing room during a special experience at St Mary's Stadium just before lockdown.

The youngsters were gifted breakthrough IrisVision technology glasses by Virgin Media that will enable them to watch their beloved Saints in a way they've never experienced before.

James Ward-Prowse, Vice Captain of Southampton FC, said: “It was fantastic to meet both Joshua and Florence and be a part in making their day so special as part of Virgin Media’s Super Saints campaign. It’s incredibly rewarding when you’re given the opportunity to help kids who may be having a difficult time and we look forward to welcoming these Super Saints back to St Mary’s when the season kicks off again!”

The players spent time with Joshua and Florence chatting about the season and learning about their conditions, before inviting them to Saints fixture against the champions.

Despite the fixture being postponed, Virgin Media will honour the invitation and fulfill their dreams when the season gets back up and running. Virgin Media will also be donating their shirt sleeve sponsorship to its charity partner, Scope, for the match.

“It was incredible meeting the players and to be given these glasses which will mean I can now watch the Saints play in a way I’ve never experienced before,” said Joshua.

“I couldn’t believe it when I saw the players for the first time with my new glasses on. To then be told that I would be mascot was just unbelievable – I’m so excited!” said Florence, who also plays in the Saints Foundation Para Football Academy and has tunnel vision as well as a visual impairment.

With over 5.1 million visually impaired people in the UK, 43% of whom are football fans, Virgin Media is raising awareness of the technology available and supporting two deserving Saints fans.

The technology will not only help them watch their favourite players and beloved team, but in a tricky time of social distancing, the equipment will hugely help both Joshua and Florence with spatial awareness as well as being able to watch television clearly for the first time in their lives with their families.