The twelve wheelchair basketball athletes representing U25 GB Women at the upcoming IWBF Women’s U25 World Championships in Bangkok, Thailand, have been announced.
The stacked squad features six players who recently competed for the senior GB Women’s team during their busy summer schedule in the unusual circumstances of having a IWBF World Championships and European Championships in the same year. Jade Atkin, Lucy Robinson and Maddie Martin competed in both majors. Adele Atkin and Ellan Fraser featured for GB Women at Worlds. Anastasia Blease made her senior debut at the European Championships 2023 where the GB Women booked their ticket to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Throughout the U25 squad, the strength of the BWB Women’s Premier League shines through as all selected players feature on the rosters of all four WPL franchise teams.
Representing GB U25 is a crucial development opportunity, with several of the current Women’s senior players having worn the vest. Jade Atkin, Adele Atkin, and Lucy Robinson were part of the Junior squad at the 2019 IWBF Women’s U25 World Championships who claimed Bronze.
Paralympian Katie Morrow was the youngest player on the Rio 2016 GB Women’s squad and brings key experience to the team.
George Bates, a seasoned wheelchair basketball player and coach having competed for GB Men and coached Loughborough Lightning to back-to-back WPL titles, has been named as Head Coach for the U25 GB Women’s side.
| Name | Classification | Women’s Premier League |
| Adele Atkin | 1.0 | Cardiff Met Archers |
| Niamh Watson | 1.0 | Cardiff Met Archers |
| Jodie Waite | 1.0 | East London Phoenix |
| Kayli English | 2.0 | Loughborough Lightning |
| Ellan Fraser | 3.0 | Worcester Wolves |
| Maddie Martin | 3.0 | Loughborough Lightning |
| Anastasia Blease | 3.5 | Loughborough Lightning |
| Holly Lounds | 3.5 | Loughborough Lightning |
| Alice McHaffie | 4.0 | East London Phoenix |
| Katie Morrow | 4.5 | Cardiff Met Archers |
| Jade Atkin | 4.5 | Cardiff Met Archers |
| Lucy Robinson | 4.5 | Loughborough Lightning |
The IWBF Women’s U25 World Championships take place October 3rd through to October 9th in Bangkok, Thailand. The competition features ten countries, with GB getting their campaign underway in Pool A against USA, Australia, Spain and China.
More information: https://iwbf.org/event/2023-womens-u25-world-championship/
Fixtures: https://hosted.dcd.shared.geniussports.com/IWBF/en/competition/36804/schedule
