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“We’re confident we can make a positive start this weekend” – Harry Ash awaits new EAFL season
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Writes: Edward Perry
Chelsea have been an improving work in progress over the past few seasons and are now seeing the benefits of their hard work under the leadership of captain Harry Ash.
Chelsea have included players from The EAFA’s Women’s National Team and junior programme graduates, seeing them gain important experience and minutes in the league, while also adding top amputee footballers like Matt Dean to their ranks.
Midway through last season, Chelsea started to see their development pay off in a big way.
Not only did they lift two cup trophies, beating Everton in The Disability FA Cup and The EAFA Cup finals, but Chelsea also finished last season on a 10-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
Harry Ash has been a pivotal figure in The Blues becoming a force to be reckoned with and he says the squad is looking forward to showing what they can do this season.
“The feeling among the squad is that we can certainly compete for the title this season. We need to be careful not to get too ahead of ourselves because we all know how many variables are at play and there’s plenty beyond our control.
“But having finished last season so well and having added Charlie Hewson – who’s already having an impact in this year’s provisional England squad – we’re confident that we can make a positive start this weekend.”
There’s new opposition to be faced, as Cambridge City and AFAS FC join The England Amputee Football League. Harry Ash explains why the opportunities to play league football, provided by The EAFA and clubs, are so vital.
“The league is important for several reasons. Number one is it gives us all the chance to play regular competitive football alongside and against other amputees. It also acts as an entry point to new senior players in a competitive but welcoming environment.
“The league is an important stepping stone to the national team too, both for new players who show the requisite ability and for those involved in the junior programme making the step up to senior football.”
And in a year where The EAFA’s Men’s National Team is preparing for the World Cup, the league is also important for players who are working hard to be in the squad and on the plane.
“For those of us in the national team, the league provides vital experience technically, tactically, and physically in preparation for international tournaments.”
Back to this weekend’s football, Harry shares his gratitude to those who have worked behind the scenes ahead of the new season and he can’t wait for it to begin.
“Massive credit is due to those behind the scenes for their efforts in making it possible for us to play. With that in mind, we’re very excited to get back playing again after what feels like a long wait.”
Join in the action on Saturday by experiencing amputee football live at Reaseheath College in Nantwich.
Gameweek 1 Fixtures:
12:00 – Chelsea vs Everton
12:45 – AFAS FC vs Cambridge City
14:00 – Chelsea vs AFAS FC
14:45 – Everton vs Cambridge City
16:00 – Chelsea vs Cambridge City
16:45 – Everton vs AFAS FC
Location: Reaseheath College, Nantwich, CW5 6DF
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