Albion in the Community players called-up to national development squad
Two players from Brighton & Hove Albion Amputee FC have been called up to a national development squad.
Danny Hemsley and Matt Nash were named in the 12-man squad ahead of upcoming games against Greece and Scotland.
The England Amputee Football Association (EAFA) re-launched the development squad earlier this season, with the aim of bridging the gap between national league fixtures and international competition.
It sits directly below the EAFA’s elite programme and provides talented players outside the senior squad with the chance to test themselves on an international level.
For Hemsley and Nash the call-up is reward for a season of promising performances for BHAAFC.
The pair are a key part of the BHAAFC squad, which is in only its second season of competitive football after being launched by Albion in the Community in 2016.
BHAAFC are one of four disability-specific teams run by AITC who compete in national leagues and they train and play their homes games at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre.
And Paul Brackley, AITC’s disability manager, said the pair’s call-up reflected the improvement show by the entire squad.
He said, “Everyone at AITC is absolutely delighted for Danny and Matt. They have both performed well throughout our national league campaign and thoroughly deserve this recognition.
“As one of the newest teams in the league, we aren’t yet in a position where we can regularly compete with the top teams who have been playing competitively for a number of years, but every member of the squad has improved this season.
“Danny and Matt have deservedly been called-up to the development squad, but here at BHAAFC, it is very much a team effort and all our players should be proud of how they have progressed this year.”
Earlier this season AITC launched a regular football session for junior amputees and the hope is that many of the players regularly attending that session will eventually progress to play for BHAAFC.
For more information on BHAAFC, AITC’s session for junior amputees, or to find out more about the other sessions run by the charity, email: disability@bhafcfoundation.org.uk.