England CP Football team target medal at the IFCPF World Cup
England CP are determined to go at least one step further and win a medal in Barcelona at the International Federation of CP Football World Cup after previous fourth-place finishes.
The Para Lions players have been preparing at St. George’s Park in preparation for the tournament and will fly to Spain this week before their first match of the 2022 IFCPF World Cup on Tuesday 3 May against Canada.
England Cerebral Palsy star David Porcher said, “If we get through the quarter-finals then we are guaranteed a medal match and hopefully luck is on our side this time because it has not been before.
The Fleet-based star, who is also capable of playing in a deeper defensive position, was one of 14 players named in England CP’s squad for the 2022 IFCPF World Cup, where they will face Canada on Tuesday 3 May, Venezuela two days later and then Netherlands on Saturday 7 May.
“If things go well, it is likely to be Iran or USA in the quarter-final. We have not beaten Iran yet and the USA games are always really good. When you watch our matches, it is brilliant because it is end-to-end.
“Either way, we are going to enjoy these games and see where it takes us.”
England CP are one of several disability teams run by the FA. Last year they launched the three-year Football Your Way plan, which will include providing world-class coaching and support services for six senior England and associated U21 teams with the aim of every Para side challenging for podium success by 2024, with Football Your Way also committing to establishing two new blind and cerebral palsy England Women’s teams by 2024.
The ambitious plan is multi-faceted and includes proposals to develop, improve and raise awareness of Disability Football in England at all levels of the game.
Growing participation, increasing the number and quality of coaches, developing an inclusive and diverse talent pathway, increasing support for elite players and raising the profile of disability football are just some of the targets over the three years.
CP Sport are proud to work in partnership with the FA: FIND DISABILITY FOOTBALL NEAR YOU
CP Sport works closely with the FA to develop more opportunities for people with cerebral palsy to have access to preferred formats of football. The FA provide guidance and governance for the delivery and support of new developments of the various formats of football. CP Sport support with promoting workforce development opportunities through the FA’s coach education programme, and provide specific advice and guidance from a cerebral palsy perspective.
CP Sport support the National Cerebral Palsy Football League for adults aged 16+. The league is managed by a committee, providing monthly fixtures throughout the season as well as the CP Cup. Winners of the league and the CP cup qualify for the FA Disability Cup. Some players of the league have gone on to play for England CP.
CP Sport are working with County FA’s and clubs to increase more opportunities for junior and female CP players.
Contact CP Sport Football Development Officer: richard.kerr@cpsport.org
Find out more about playing opportunities: https://cpsport.org/football/
