West Brom bosses hit for six by 'powerchair' side
West Brom's coaching team were hit for six when they tried their hand at wheelchair football in a bid to help the Baggies' talented team make it to the Champions League.
Boss Steve Clarke and his three coaches took on Sporting Club Albion's 'powerchair' team in a special challenge match yesterday – and were beaten 6-0.
But the day ended in smiles as Clarke, assistants Kevin Keen and Keith Downing and goalkeeping coach Keith Downing pledged to donate money as a forfeit to help fund the team's trip to the Champions League in Paris in June.
The team must raise £9,000 to pay for the trip and Clarke and Co promised to make a donation if they lost the game at the Baggies' sports hall in Halfords Lane.
The powerchair team, run by the Albion Foundation, qualified for the Power Champions League, which will feature the top 10 teams from across Europe, by finishing as runners-up in the WFA National Cup and third in the WFA National Premiership.
Clarke said: "I went to watch a training session three weeks ago and they showed me their moves and routines. I was thinking 'I can do that' – and then they threw the challenge down.
"But it's really difficult. I haven't got enough words of admiration for the competitors who do it. They have done fantastically to reach the Champions League.
"They are off to Paris in June, which is a great achievement for them and I wish them well."
The Baggies team comprises captain Chris Gordon, Amy Wharton, Daniel Kay, Rich George, David Lewis and Lizzy Tullett.
Individual donations to help fund the trip can also be made online at thealbionfoundation.co.uk, by phone on 0871 271 9840.
You can also send a cheque, made payable to 'The Albion Foundation', to The Albion Foundation, Ford Street, Smethwick, West Midlands B67 7QY.
The Foundation is also running a fundraising race night at Sutton Coldfield Town FC on May 10 from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 and can be booked on 0871 271 9840.
