Published 29 January 2024 5 min read

England

In Pictures: England Para Lions' unforgettable week in Tenerife

Written by:

Frank Smith

We look back on some of the standout photos taken by England photographer Eddie Keogh as our Para Lions take part in a warm-weather training camp in Tenerife

Almost 60 players and staff members from our England Para Lions squads have just returned from Tenerife after being put through their paces during a warm-weather training camp.

Members from both the men’s and women’s England Blind and England Deaf squads were joined by players from the Cerebral Palsy and Partially Sighted teams for four days of double sessions.

The Three Lions and Lionesses social channels are full of great video content from the six-day trip and the players were also captured by England photographer Eddie Keogh.

Here we look back on a memorable week for everyone involved with a selection of Eddie’s photos.

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The players set off for their trip on Sunday 21 January before four full days of double sessions started on the Monday

The squads stayed at the GF Fanabe hotel before travelling to the nearby Tenerife Top Training for their sessions

Ayman Hafiz was just one of the England Blind Women players attending her first warm-weather training camp with the Para Lions

Having the chance to train in warm weather was one of the main reasons staff opted for Tenerife for the camp

One of the benefits of the trips to Tenerife is the way different squads interact regularly, helping to create a 'One Para' feeling among the programme

Eddie Keogh showing why timing is everything

The One Para feeling among the different squads was a theme throughout the week

The goalkeepers across the different teams would often work together

It wasn't just fitness the players were improving. They also worked on tactical plans across the week

Togetherness

This was England Blind Women's first warm-weather training camp, following the team's creation in 2022 and first major tournament last summer

England Blind Men's goalkeeper Dylan Malpas was one of many players showcasing some impressive artwork on their skin

Harry Baker, of our Cerebral Palsy team, and Joe Dixon and Harry Boorman, of our Deaf Men's side, showing they still had time to enjoy a laugh while working hard

Players attending their first warm-weather camp had been warned about the hill runs in Tenerife

But as shown by Liam Irons here, once their own hill run was complete, the players would often motivate each other to push themselves to the max

The double sessions meant England's players were often finishing training to the backdrop of a beautiful sunset

The last night was also a chance for staff to give out 'Pride Awards', which were given to players who stood out when it came to showcasing the FA's values during the week in Tenerife

Together until the end: England Para Lions players and staff

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