A letter to Louis

Lou,
I know if you could see this you would tell me to stop been so soft or something.
I have been thinking about you a lot recently mate perhaps because it is the start of the new football season.
I started this blog to keep track of the things i have achieved in football, you played a massive part in me improving as a player over the time we were team-mates on the pitch and friends off it, so it seems the perfect place to write this. I was never able to thank you for putting an arm round me when my confidence was low after that red card i got a few seasons back, thank you for that Lou,
one of the reasons I have written this is every time i step onto a football pitch I think of you mate, and expect to see you at the back.
This season I have ordered my new boots, Adidas like we both had, I have had your initials and number 6 put on them, I wanted to do this so that I know you are still on the pitch with me when im playing next year.
Miss you skip
Alex x

South West 20/08/11

On the 2Oth August 2011, I attended the South West CP trials.
A lot has changed since the last session we had together as a squad.
The first noticeable change was the number of coaches and supporters we now have since our success last time around.
We have also added a number of new players to the ranks who i hope can match the skill,attitude and discipline of the first team regulars.
Overall there is a good feeling around the squad going into the new season, and we are training well.

It was a shame to see one face missing on Saturday; Sarah Lawler was the assistant coach last season, and played a key part in the second placed finish we secured at Nationals. I know myself and the lads would like to wish her all the best at Yeovil Town

The Green Army

Next month I will be going into my second season with Plymouth Argyle. In my first season in the green and white of Plymouth i ended as my teams top goal scorer and league runners up by one point.
The 2011/2012 season will bring a new challenge for me.
I have been selected for the Plymouth Argyle Premiership Squad. Undefeated in five years, the task is simple, play well or get replaced.
I see this as a step up for me in terms of disability football, which can only help to develop me as an England and GB regular for the future.
Again i would like to thank Graham Eyles, the head coach at Plymouth Argyle

2010-11 Ability Counts Prize Winners:

Championship: Plymouth Argyle Pilgrims (Winners), Plymouth Argyle (R/Up), Torquay Utd Inspirations (Fair Play Award)

League 1: Plymouth Argyle (Winners), Plymouth Argyle Reserves (R/Up), Horizon Hotshots (Fair Play Award)

League 2: Tavistock Specials (Winners), Plymouth Argyle Pilgrims (R/Up), Torquay Utd Inspirations (Fair Play Award)

Profile- Alistair Heselton

Alistair Heselton, a former QPR footballer, is a powerful striker who knows how to find the net.
Alistair and I started our England and GB careers at the same time, we both met at Lilleshall National sports centre.
Alistair who now runs a car Vinly wrapping business, has a fascinating story, in which he explained his ups and downs during his football career.
He was involved in a car crash whilst on the books at QPR which tragically cut short the life of his best pal and fellow footballer Simon Paterson. This however has not stopped him from becoming a fully capped international footballer.
I have room shared with Alistair on a few occasions, I have enjoyed getting to know Alistair, and i hope we both go on to successful careers in the England set up

South West Trials

South West trials are open Saturday 20th August.
I hope to see all of the boys from last years squad and maybe a few more to add depth to the team.
I have been named as captain for the season 2011/2012, which is something i am honored to do.

The South West now boast three capped England internationals:
Alex Mullin
Liam Nicholls
Alex Cossins

SEASON AIM: WIN NATIONALS WIN ALL TOURNAMENTS

profile- Martin Sinclair

Martin Sinclair is a hardworking jack of all trades on the football pitch. He began life as a footballer at the Bristol City Academy, however a serious hip injury saw him leave his dream early. Martin was introduced into disability football under the watchful eye of Graham Eyles at Plymouth Argyle, who are now my club.

Martin is the older brother of Swansea City star Scott Sinclair, and could quite easily live in the shadow of Scott's remarkable talent, however this isn't Martins style.
The relationship he shares with both his footballing brothers is something that they should all be proud of.

He is happy to play in any position, but is best suited at left back. where he has since gone on to form a formidable partnership as England's back line alongside the experienced Essex born Michael Wilson.
In his early years with England he found it hard to break into the squad, whilst competing in Home Nations at Lilleshall, he watched mainly from the bench. A period of time where he said he learnt a lot about the CP game.
Through the late months of 2011, when I first joined the England squad it was clear that Martin had become a major part of the England set up and a first team regular.
Martin and I have become very close mates on and off the field and i have learnt a lot from him since I began in the squad.
we were able to get to know each other well during training sessions with the GB squad, and on my first tour with England in Dublin. It became clear to me, how much football means to Martin, with the help of England team captain Matt Dimbylow, he has set up a charity " DREAM IT BELIEVE IT ACHIEVE IT" which helps to raise money for Paralympic sport.