WHEELCHAIR basketball player Ben Fox is looking to impress as he links up with the Great Britain men’s squad for the first time.

The 21-year-old, from Westlea, was invited to next week’s training camp in Aylesbury following a good season with club side Sheffield Steelers.

Despite his fine form with Sheffield, who are fourth in the National League Premier Division, Fox was surprised by his inclusion to the week-long camp.

“It’s the first one I have been invited to so it’s quite nerve wracking, really,” said Fox. “I didn’t expect it at all. I’ve been involved in the junior team but to be invited to train with the men’s team was a surprise.

“I feel like it is the right time for me to take the next step, turn some heads and see what I can do.”

The former New College student admits he doesn’t know what to expect from the camp but is looking forward to playing alongside some of the more experienced players.

After missing out on the Rio Paralympics last year, the 21-year-old is excited to get on court with Paralympic medallists such as Terry Bywater, who won bronze in Athens and Beijing. “It will be another level. I’m not expected to be selected for anything, I’m just going for the experience and to enjoy myself,” said Fox, who is also a part-time support worker.

“I’ll use the skills I have learned for the rest of the season and see where it goes after the juniors.

“Every player there will be amazing, I played with a few of them last year. Phil Pratt was in the junior squad and he has moved up to the men’s team.

“I feel like Phil is a bit of an idol for me. Once you have seen someone do something, you want to do it yourself.

“There are so many people for me to look up to. Terry Bywater has been to four Paralympics and won medals.”

After being a torchbearer through Royal Wootton Bassett as a 16-year-old ahead of London 2012, Fox has set his sights on becoming a Paralympian himself.

While his Paralympic aspirations are clear, Fox has this summer’s Junior World Championships, which will take place in Toronto, as his sole focus.

He added: “My long-term goal is to get to a Paralympics. Shorter-term, we have the World Championships coming up, but I definitely have my eye on Tokyo in 2020.”