Foundation

Foundation quartet receive England call-up

Four of the Foundation’s powerchair footballers will have a chance to impress after being called up to the latest England training camp.

WBA Powerchair's Brad Bates, Matt Francis, Chris Gordon and Marcus Harrison will all be at the Three Lions training camp as they gear up preparations for the Nations Cup in 2019.

Matt Francis has recently joined the Baggies from Brighton, whilst Brad will experience football with England for the first time.

"Brad's a great addition to the squad, hopefully he will impress and get the chance to come to Finland with us," said England Manager, Colin Gordon.

"They will bring a great deal of knowledge and technical ability but more importantly three of those four have experience as well and that can only stand us in good stead going forward."

The side will be looking to build on last year's World Cup campaign, where they finished third.

"We had a very successful World Cup and now it's the next stage, we want to prepare a team that's ready to go on and win the Euros," added Colin.

Having won a historic treble last season, the call-up for the Foundation quartet shows their success hasn't gone unnoticed, something that pleases the Foundation's Disability Senior Development Officer, Paul Hunt.

"I'm very proud of the guys getting into the England training squad ahead of the European Championships in Finland," he said.

"The players now need to show Colin that they want a place on the plane."

No other Foundation has as many players at the England camp than Albion, something Colin believes is a strong reflection of the work the charity is doing within the sport.

"It's fantastic, the support they give the players is great.

"I think they're doing a fantastic job and always have done."

For more information regarding The Albion Foundation's powerchair programme, please email paul.hunt@albionfoundation.co.uk.