England’s wheelchair rugby league team will receive a helping hand from a MidKent College student at this year’s Four Nations tournament.
Ben Richardson
Medway Dragons captain Ben Richardson, who is currently studying for his level 1 Diploma in Sport and Active Leisure, will join the national coaching set-up for the competition when it comes to Gillingham in September.
The 18-year-old has quadriplegic cerebral palsy but refuses to let the condition prevent him from playing a version of the sport he adores.
“My whole family play rugby and I just wanted to fit in,” said Ben. “Playing in a wheelchair was the only way I could do that so it’s brilliant that disability sports exist for people like me.
“My dad once had England trials but he never got to help coach a national team, so I’ve got one over him there!”
Ben will use statistical data to help analyse England’s performances at this year’s Four Nations tournament, which will be held at Medway Park sports centre.
He was invited to join the national set-up by one of his team’s coaches, who has identified Ben as a potential star of the future.
“It feels brilliant to have been asked and I can’t wait for the tournament to begin,” he said.
“England has the best players from the wheelchair rugby league, who I’ve played against and know how good they are.
“Being this closely involved with the national team will help me improve my own game, so hopefully I’ll be able to show some of the England players up the next time I face off against them!
MidKent College offers a number of part-time, full-time and higher education courses in sport, fitness and leisure.
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