Worcester Wolves players & staff selected to represent Great Britain in upcoming IWBF World Championships

Three members of Worcester Wolves Wheelchair Basketball programme have been selected to represent Great Britain at the upcoming IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships in June. 

Players Kayla Bell and Ellan Fraser have both been called up to the Great Britain Women’s Team and Head Coach Simon Fisher has been named as Team Manager for the Great Britain Men’s Team. 

Kayla Bell, who graduated from the University of Worcester with a degree in Business Psychology, is no stranger to the senior international scene, having already represented Great Britain at the Tokyo Paralympic games as well at the 2019 and 2022 European Championships and 2018 World Championships where she returned with a Silver Medal from each tournament. 

Having represented the Worcester Wolves in the British Wheelchair Basketball Women’s Premier League for the last two seasons, Kayla also plays for CWBA in the National League competition and has kept her skills sharp in between international competitions. 

Upon her place being confirmed, Kayla said; “It’s such an honour and privilege to be selected to represent Great Britain at my second world championships this summer. I’m always proud to be wearing the GB vest and it’s amazing to be there with Ellan who’s competing in her debut senior tournament!” 

Ellan Fraser will make her international debut when she wears Great Britain’s colours for the first time when she takes to the court in Dubai. Ellan has also been with the Wolves for the last two seasons in the WPL and has also been playing for Warwickshire Bears in the National League. Last Summer Ellan was a reserve for Team England for 3X3 Wheelchair Basketball at the Commonwealth Games. 

Ellan is currently studying Physiotherapy at the University of Worcester and in March was part of the BUCS Wheelchair Basketball Team who won the BUCS National Championship. 

Upon receiving her call up the national team, Ellan said; “It’s an honour to be selected to represent my country. This dream could not have come true without all the support from my family and friends, but also the University of Worcester and the Worcester Wolves. I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity, and I am so excited!” 

Worcester Wolves Head Coach Simon Fisher returns to the international scene as Team Manager with the GB Men’s Team. Simon has previously led the GB Women’s team at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo. He brings a wealth of experience to the GB Men’s off court team and will be a welcome asset when the team travel to Dubai next month. 

Simon is excited to get started with the men’s team in a few weeks’ time, he said; “It is an honour to be part of the GB Men’s programme for the World’s Championships, I look forward to contributing to the team in any way I can.” 

On his current club players Kayla Bell and Ellan Fraser being called up for international duty he added; “I am delighted that Kayla and Ellan have been recognised for the fantastic season they have had, with selection to the IWBF World’s team. I wish them and the team every success.” 

Former students of the University of Worcester, many of whom studied in the School of Sport and Exercise Science, Sophie Carrigill, Jude Hamer, Maddie Thompson and Siobhán Fitzpatrick have also been named in the GB Women’s Roster. Head of School and Worcester Wolves Board Member, Lerverne Barber commented; “this is acknowledgement of the fantastic Wheelchair Basketball provision that we have at the University and the support that is provided for our students, ensuring that they can achieve academically whilst competing at the highest level. We are very proud of our students and graduates and wish them every success.”

The 2022 World Championships in Dubai take place a year later planned following postponement where 300 international wheelchair basketball players representing 16 men’s and 12 women’s teams to compete over twelve days of competition at the showcase event. 

Keep up to date with the Great Britain Teams progress in the World Championships on the British Wheelchair Basketball Social Media Channels and on their website.

Images courtesy of Tom Bennett, Trevor Patchett and Dave Dunbar.