The Pararoos’s are in the midst of finalising their preparations for the Intercontinental Cup being staged in Spain this month.
The Pararoos-s are in the midst of finalising their preparations for the Intercontinental Cup being staged in Spain this month as they aim for a top-two finish in their group to secure qualification for the World Championships.
The final selection camp for the tournament took place in horrendous conditions on the 21st June. From the twenty players who were brought into camp from around the country, fourteen have now been chosen to represent Australia.
According to Coach Paul Brown, the team boasts a number of young players and a few seasoned veterans.
“The squad has the right mix of younger players that are being developed for the 2016 Paralympics and a good backbone of experience,” he said.
James Turner, who has five caps for his country, is one player the Pararoos will be counting on.
The 17-year-old has been in the National program for four years and is considered to be one of the bright new sparks that will hopefully help lead the side to the World Championships in Rio in 2016.
When asked about his experiences with the Pararoos Turner was full of pride at the thought of pulling on the green and gold.
“It-s a great honour to wear the jersey and I hope I can do my family, my country and my team proud. I have learnt a lot over the past months in camp, now I just have to make that happen on the field in Barcelona.”
Turner currently plays for Tuncurry Forster Football Club on the North Coast and has set himself the goal of one day being Captain for the National team and winning a medal at the Paralympics.
The Pararoos have drawn Ukraine, USA and Portugal in Group C for the upcoming Intercontinental Cup, being played in Barcelona, Spain this month.