Asda Athletes

2 Jul 2012 Motherwell Posted by Joann Shaw

Sporting Chance Athlete

On Saturday 30th June Jonathan Paterson our store athlete came into store with his family to help raise funds. Jonathan will be at London Paralympics in August 2012. All at Asda Motherwell wish him well.

Check out this interview with me for BBC radio.

5 minutes to 14 minutes in.

Publishing The Paralympics

Jonathan Paterson set for second Paralympics.

The British Paralympic Association has named the 22 footballers who will represent Great Britain at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Those selected include seven-a-side players Blair Glynn (Tranent), Craig Connell (Glasgow), James Richmond (Tullibody) and Jonathan Paterson (Motherwell).

It will be Paterson’s second Paralympics, having helped a seven-a-side team finish seventh in Beijing. “Competing in Beijing was an experience in itself, but four years on the squad has really improved. The team is in a stronger position and I am really looking forward to London 2012,” he said.

ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission Craig Hunter said: “Football is obviously a very popular sport in Britain, so I am confident that the British public will get behind these players.”

Of the two teams that will compete later this summer, 12 players will feature on the 7-a-side team, for players with cerebral palsy and 10 players have been selected as part of the 5-a-side team, for players with a visual impairment.

Teams. Seven-a-side: Craig Connell, Billy Thompson, George Fletcher, Matt Dimbylow, Blair Glynn, Josh Beacham, Martin Sinclair, Jonathan Paterson, James Richmond, Alistair Hesleton, Ibrahim Diallo, Michael Barker.

Since the turn of the year we have had a few weekend training weekends in Lilleshall Birmingham where we get together as a squad for fitness testing, tactical training and games against pan disability teams. We were also in San Diego America for a warm weather training camp. Very successful as we beat America twice 4v1 and 4v0.

Its now getting nearer selection but before that in the end of March we have a pre paralympic competition in Russia. We have some difficult matches but its a great opportunity to test out how far we have came- or how far we have to go for the paralympics. Keep an eye out as i’ll be updating the progress of the boys.

Players with Cerebral Palsy / Stroke / Acquired Brain Injury have the opportunity to access international football through the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association (CP-ISRA). A seven-a-side version of the game is used, utilising a smaller playing area and reduced sized goals.

In Scotland, a CP/S/ABI national football squad has had a regular programme of coaching and competition opportunities for a number of years now. Selected players receive tactical and technical coaching together with being provided with an individual training programme.

Competitive Opportunities:

•World Championships
•European Championships
•Home Nations Tournament
•Invitational Competitions
•International Friendlies

The Scotland CP/S/ABI team is currently ranked 6th in the World.