Last updated at 20:17, Thursday, 24 November 2011

Workington man Kevin Bell is one step closer to realising his dream and representing Great Britain in next year’s London Paralympics.

EXCELLENCE: Footballer Kevin Bell has been selected for the North West Cerebral Palsy Centre of Excellence

The 29-year-old footballer has been selected to train and play at the North West Cerebral Palsy Centre of Excellence.

Bell was invited through the Cumberland Football Association to attend two trial days in July and August and has been awarded a place at the Manchester centre.

Bell formerly played for The Well in the Workington & District Sunday League.

He said: “I am thrilled to have this opportunity to play at the centre of excellence level and potentially be selected for the Great Britain Cerebral Palsy team for the 2012 Paralympics in London.”

The centre is headed by coach and England scout Adam Temple and Bell will train there three Sundays a month.

Paul Jennings, Cumberland FA’s disability football development officer, said: “Kevin is a fantastic role model for footballers in Cumbria, who have the commitment and desire to succeed at this level.

“Kevin works hard behind the scenes and is heavily involved in supporting the development of the game in the county.”

Bell is seeking sponsorship to support his travel to and from Manchester. Anyone interested in supporting him should email paul.jennings@cumberlandfa.com

First published at 19:25, Thursday, 24 November 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk