Background

GB finished 7th in Beijing, where they were making their first appearance in the sport since 1992. The team for 2012 set a target of a top 6 finish in the rankings, but unfortunately just narrowly missed it, finishing 7th overall.

After a difficult start to their tournament in London, where the team faced Brazil and 2011 World Champions Ukraine in their opening two pool matches, the Great Britain team regained their form and their confidence to defeat the USA 4-0.

The team narrowly lost Argentina 3-4 after extra time, sending them into the 7th-8th place play-off match. But they rallied to beat the USA for the second time in the tournament and secured a final ranking of 7th.

Of the 14 athletes who will compete at Rio 2016, all but two of the team make their Paralympic debut; just former Everton FC Academy player Michael Barker and Scottish veteran Jonathan Paterson return from London and both will compete in their third Games.

Rules

Athletes are allocated to four sport classes (FT5, FT6, FT7 and FT8) depending on the impact of the athlete’s impairment on his performance.

Each team has to have one FT5 or FT6 player on the field at all times and is not allowed to have more than one FT8 player on the field.

The rules differ from those of Olympic football in several respects: each team consists of seven players, the measurements of the playing field and goalposts are smaller, there is no offside rule and matches last 30 minutes per half. For reasons of fairness, throw-ins are only allowed with one hand.

Look out for part 4 as Liam and the GB CP team have landed in Brazil and start their preparations prior to the fixtures starting on Thursday 8th September.

Follow Liam’s story on  Twitter - @BedsFA  / @_LiamIrons
 
For further information and pictures please contact:
Josh Spavins, Recreational Football Development Officer
07432 700589 / Josh.Spavins@BedfordshireFA.com