First ever FA England PowerChair training squad announced
This week national team manager Colin Gordon announced the first England squad since the Football Association took over in June 2013. The squad consists of 12 players with six players receiving a call up for the very first time.
The initial training squad is as follows:
- Harry Boddy (Northern Thunder)
- Jon Bolding (Aspire PFC)
- Edward Common (Northern Thunder)
- Matthew Francis (Brighton and Hove Albion)
- Chris Gordon (Sporting Club Albion)
- Marcus Harrison (Sporting Club Albion)
- Daniel Kay (Sporting Club Albion)
- Charlie Kitcher (Aspire PFC)
- Jake Lear (Nottingham PFC)
- David Lewis (Sporting Club Albion)
- Saajan Patel (Bolton Bullets)
- Bobby Williams (Aspire PFC)
Bobby Williams, David Lewis, Jake Lear, Marcus Harrison, Matthew Francis, and Saajan Patel are all new to the International set up, whilst Charlie Kitcher, Chris Gordon, Daniel Kay, Edward Common, Harry Boddy and Jon Bolding were selected as part of the provisional squad prior to the 2011 World Cup.
Matthew Francis only made his Premier League debut last weekend and is now busy preparing for the training camp, which will take place at St George's Park from the 3-5 October. Talking about his selection, Matthew said:
"When the email arrived and I read it I had to read it again as I couldn't believe my eyes. Once the reality kicked in I was speechless, just representing Brighton and Hove Albion is an achievement in itself, but the recognition of potentially representing my country at my chosen sport is not something everyone is chosen to do; I feel very honored and proud to have this opportunity".
The WFA caught up with Colin after the opening weekend of fixtures to discuss his squad selection. He said:
"There was some great team and individual performances which made the squad selection very difficult. Myself and Steve (Pearson) watched the games closely to select a well balanced squad for the first training camp in October. We were impressed with the performances of all 12 players that have been selected and look forward to working with them at St George's Park".
Talking about future squad selections Colin said:
"Steve and myself will continue to watch both leagues closely, we aim to use the training camps to prepare for the World Cup Qualifiers next year but to also invite fresh faces into the squad to see if they have what it takes to compete on an international scale".
Now that the squad has been selected, Adam Crowle will work in partnership with the FA to ensure everything is in place by 3 October. Talking about his role Adam has said:
"Now the squad has been selected I will be in regular contact with the FA and the players to ensure that everyone is aware of the details regarding the training camp. My role will involve booking the hotel rooms at St George's, ordering and preparing kit for each player and finally ensuring that Colin and his coaching staff have everything in place for a successful training camp".
EFDS would like to wish the players good luck for the training camp. The Championships begin on 19 October and the return of the Premiership on 2 November.
