Powerchair team praised after successful tournament
ALBION’s powerchair football team have returned to The Hawthorns as heroes after impressing at the European Champions Cup.
The Baggies were beaten 3-0 by pre-tournament favourites Auch in Thursday's final after recording four wins on their way to the showdown with the French side.
Tony Kay’s team overcame Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0, Aarhus Rolling Devils 6-0 and Midlands United 7-1 in the group stages, before a dramatic 6-5 penalty shootout win over Vaucresson in the semi-finals.
The team’s progress during the tournament in Denmark grabbed the attention of Baggies fans on social media and first-team centre-half Gareth McAuley sent a good luck video message ahead of the final.
Albion Foundation Director Rob Lake was full of praise as the powerchair team made their way back to the Midlands.
“It’s a brilliant achievement to get to the final of a major football tournament,” he said.
“They have done the football club and The Albion Foundation proud.
“Their excellent performances have raised the profile of the sport in this country and the backing they have received from Albion supporters on social media shows just how far the sport has come.
“We hope this is a sign of things to come and that we continue to build on the fantastic work already being done by the Foundation’s disability department.”