By Gary Anderson

April 17 - Louise Sugden is one of 12 players named to the British squad for the Women's Wheelchair Basketball World Championships ©Getty Images Great Britain has announced the 12-strong squad that will head to Toronto later this year for the Women's Wheelchair Basketball World Championships.

New head coach, American Miles Thompson, has named a relatively youthful looking squad complemented with players that have major championship experience as Britain looks to improve on its sixth place finish on home soil in Birmingham in 2010.

Amy Conroy, Louise Sugden, Madeleine Thompson, Helen Freeman, Judith Hamer, Helen Turner and Laurie Williams were all part of the squad that lost out at the quarter-final stage to eventual champions Germany at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

They will be joined by Sophie Carrigill, Charlotte Moore and Clare Griffiths, while Fi Tillman and Joy Haizelden will be making their international Championship debut at the Mattamy Athletic Centre.

Thompson, who is joined on the coaching staff by Mathew Foden, is confident the new players to the squad can help push Britain on in Toronto and build on their bronze medal at last year's European Championships in Frankfurt.

Amy Conroy will be among the experienced British players taking to the courts in Toronto later this year ©Getty Images Amy Conroy will be among the experienced British players taking to the courts in Toronto later this year ©Getty Images



"The two new players add something extra to the team, the energetic Fi Tillman brings with her energy and a voice that sparks not only herself but the rest of the team, she is a great component to have in any team," said Thompson, who was appointed as head coach last October.

"Whilst the youngster Joy Haizelden, alongside Charlotte Moore, are the next generation of GB basketball [they will be] to the forefront and they are here to stay.

"They will not only perform in the future but now as well.

"At the World Championships we want the team to unite itself and make sure we are all pulling from the same side of the rope in all situations, both on and off the court.

"Our goal is the same as at any tournament we enter as GB and that is to get into the semi-final and take it from there."

Thompson and his players will face Paralympic champions Germany again in Pool B, while they also face games against hosts and four-time world champions Canada along with Japan, Brazil and China.

Reigning champions the United States are in Pool A along with current European champions the Netherlands, London 2012 silver medallists Australia, France, Mexico and Peru.

The Championships are due to take place from June 20 to 28.

For a full competition schedule, click here.

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