Jimmy McDaniel joins England Wheelchair Staff as Squad meet at the Home of England Football

The England Wheelchair National Performance Squad met for the third time last weekend as they continue their preparations for their trip down under when the Rugby League World Cup returns to Australia at the end of the season.

The squad met at the home of England Football, St George’s Park National Football Centre, on Saturday for another important weekend of training as they build towards another important chapter in the England Wheelchair journey.

The sessions included strength and conditioning in the elite facilities and gyms used by England Football’s Senior teams, as well as various Rugby Sessions in the Futsal Hall.

All 16 players will return to The University of Nottingham for their fourth camp on the weekend of 6/7 June in what will be their final meet before the World Cup Squad is selected.

On the weekend, England Wheelchair Head Coach, Tom Coyd MBE, said:

“This weekend was another pivotal moment in our journey. You can feel the momentum building with each camp. The players are becoming more confident in the way we want to play, our connections are getting stronger, and there’s a real sense of purpose in everything we’re doing as we move closer to selection.

“To be able to deliver that in an environment like St George’s Park National Football Centre is a huge opportunity for us. The facilities are world-class, but just as importantly, the support from the staff has been outstanding. It allows us to challenge and support the players in the right way, and to create an environment that reflects the standards we’re aiming for as a national team.

“We’re also deliberately dialling up the pressure within these camps to really test ourselves. That’s a key part of our preparation - exposing the players to demanding, high-intensity scenarios while also practicing skills that help us to be calm and to make good decisions under stress.

“It’s about making sure that when those moments come in competition, we’re ready to perform and to grasp the opportunity.”

Joining the squad is Jimmy McDaniel who has been appointed as the team’s Strength and Conditioning Coach ahead of the World Cup.

McDaniel is no stranger to success having been with Hull KR as their Head of Strength and Conditioning during their treble-winning season in 2025.

On McDaniel’s appointment, Coyd said:

“Jimmy’s appointment is a really significant step forward for our programme. His experience leading strength and conditioning at Hull Kingston Rovers' Men's Super League team, particularly across a treble-winning season, speaks to the standards he sets and the environments he’s capable of driving. He understands what high performance looks like on a daily basis, and just as importantly, how to build it over time. That’s exactly the kind of expertise we want around our players as we continue to push this team forward.

“What has been equally impressive is how naturally Jimmy has fitted into the group. Culturally, he’s a brilliant match for what we have built and there’s a real alignment in standards and behaviours. It already it feels like he’s been part of the team for a long time. That connection matters a lot to us, and it allows him to have an immediate impact.

“He also comes into a programme that has been really well developed, and it’s important we recognise the work Amy Farrow has done to build our strength and conditioning foundations. We’re very grateful for her contribution, and we wish her all the very best as she steps away from team duties to complete her PhD alongside her work with Football Association of Wales.

“What excites me most is the blend Jimmy brings between applied performance and academic insight. His background in rehabilitation, clinical exercise physiology, and ongoing doctoral research gives him a really well-rounded perspective on athletic development, injury prevention, and long-term performance. He’s someone who will challenge and evolve our thinking, while putting robust, evidence-informed processes in place to support our players to perform at their best when it matters most.”