Cumbrian Player in Centre of Excellence

21st November 2011

Kevin Bell has been selected to train and play in the North West Regional Cerebral Palsy Centre of Excellence which is based in Manchester.

Kevin Bell, aged 29, from Workington, was invited through Cumberland FA to attend two trial days which were held during July and August 2011 at Partington Sports Village, Manchester. Now selected Kevin will participate in the National League fixture programme.

Kevin has played in the past for 'The Well' in The Workington and District Sunday League and is currently involved in The FA Mars Ability Counts Just Play Centre at Lakes College. This team participates in the Carlisle United Ability Counts League.

Kevin said "I am thrilled to have this opportunity to play at a Centre of Excellence level and potentially be selected for the Great Britain Cerebral Palsy team for the 2012 Paralympics in London."

Manchester FA have been granted a licence to host a Regional Centre of Excellence for 2011/12 season. The Centre is led by Head Coach and England Scout Adam Temple. The North West Cerebral Palsy Centre of Excellence train three Saturday's per month with a central venue league fixture programme held once a month on a Saturday.

The Centre has already played the first league fixtures of the season. This was hosted at Lilleshall with the North West Centre of Excellence playing three matches. These included impressive performances against teams from the North East, Humberside and London resulting in two wins and a draw. This was a great start to the season for the North West Centre of Excellence with next month's league fixture programme to be held in York.

Paul Jennings, Disability Football Development Officer says "Kevin is a fantastic role model for footballers in Cumbria, who has 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."

As the Regional Centre of Excellence is based in Manchester, Kevin is seeking sponsorship to support his travel commitments. If you are interested in supporting elite athletes to achieve their dream please contact Paul Jennings for further information on how you can do this.

Cumberland FA and Carlisle United FITC would like to congratulate Kevin on this achievement and wish him the best of luck for the future.

The FA Mars Ability Counts Just Play Centre's and the Carlisle United Ability Counts League are currently taking place. For more information on these programmes please visit our website

For more information on getting involved in disability football, please contact Paul Jennings, Disability Football Development Officer on 01900 872310 ext 23 or email Paul