Despite the freezing conditions, the newly formed FIMBA GB Wheelchair squad welcomed back players from all home nations at the first Midlands camp.
In a cold gym, Coach Andy Craddock got the squad warmed up with a series of fun drills designed to enhance chair skills, team cohesion and of course to dust away the festive cobwebs!
Following the warm-up, the squad worked on some fast-paced chair manoeuvring and passing to ensure everyone kept moving and warm. After a quick debrief, the players were split into 4 groups for competitive shooting drills. After a slow start, the players started to get their eye in as they supported and encouraged each other.
This is only the third time the squad have trained together, and we welcomed several new players as well, but the squad is already gelling really well together and working hard for each other, raising the overall level – in line with the FIMBA GB ethos. 2026 is going to be a very exciting year as we continue to push for wheelchair inclusion in international masters tournaments.
Bruce Lauder – FIMBA GB Head of Wheelchair
After some full court drills, the intensive 3 hour session concluded with a series of scrimmages between the 4 teams. The focus was on working for each other off the ball and getting open. The games were competitive and to a good standard considering this is the first time a lot of these players have been on court together, which bodes well for the development and next stages of this team’s growth.
Amazing to coach a great bunch of players, who believe in this sport and share the ethos that age is juts a number and we can continue to play, inspire and achieve
Coach Craddock
The team is actively preparing for their debut at the upcoming FIMBA European Championships in Athens. Furthermore, preparations are underway for the first ever World Cup, that FIMBA GB will be hosting in Scotland, where the team aims to showcase the mental and physical benefits of masters wheelchair sport on the international stage.
We are now inviting expressions of interest for the World Cup from teams and governing bodies outside of the UK by completing the online form, available here. If you would like to be involved as a partner or sponsor of the tournament, please email admin@fimba-gb.com.
If you’re a UK based player that wants to be part of the first ever GB Masters Wheelchair team, you can still register by clicking here or emailing admin@fimba-gb.com.
To keep up to date with the all the tournament news and the GB team’s journey in 2026, follow FIMBA GB Wheelchair Basketball on Facebook and if you are interested in partnering the team and supporting the journey in 2026 and beyond, you can find all the relevant details on our partners page.
