Dumfries and Galloway ambulance technician representing Scotland in Six-A-Side Football World Cup

A student ambulance technician is representing Scotland in the Six-A-Side Football World Cup.

Former Dalbeattie Star player and manager Ritchie Maxwell, who is a student technician in Castle Douglas, is hoping to qualify as a paramedic next month.

But this week he is in Essen in Germany aiming to help Scotland to glory.

The 35-year-old said: “I was delighted when I got the call asking if I could join up with the team - to represent your country in any sport is a great honour.

“I’ve always played football since a young age and I spent most of my career playing for and managing Dalbeattie Star in the Lowland League and only left to join the service.

“I’ve always played six-a-sided as part of training and now just to help keep fit.

“I went up to Glasgow a few times to train with the team and then got a call a few weeks ago to ask if I would like to be part of the team.”

Ritchie left his post as Dalbeattie Star manager last year to join the Scottish Ambulance Service.

He said: “I love working with people and helping them in their time of need, putting a smile on someone’s face in difficult circumstances is always nice.

“At Newton and Stranraer stations the team ethic and camaraderie between the staff make them a great place to work.”

The Scotland squad is one of 44 teams taking part in the tournament, which began on Saturday and runs until Sunday.

The Scots began their group games with a 7-2 defeat to Morocco, with games against Ireland and Georgia to come.

Ritchie added: “Hopefully we can qualify from the group and get to the latter stages, the Scotland team have a good record over the last few years so hopefully we can maintain that.

“I think Brazil will be the favourites and are the defending