History will be made this October as two Northern Irish stars are set to compete at a major international competition for the first time. The feat was confirmed as British Wheelchair Basketball announced Katie Morrow and James MacSorley in the Great Britain women’s and men’s squads for the 2025 European Wheelchair Basketball Championships, marking a milestone for the sport locally.

Their selection underscores the growth of wheelchair basketball in Northern Ireland and the calibre of talent emerging from the region.

James MacSorley, a 2.0-classification player, is a seasoned international, boasting a Bronze medal at the Tokyo Paralympics, both Gold and Silver medals at the World Championships and a Gold medal at European Championships. Currently competing for Spanish side BBK Bidaideak, James has plenty of experience at the top level with a reputation as one of GB’s most skilful defensive players.

Katie Morrow, a 4.5-classification player, began her basketball journey in 2013. She has since won gold at the U25 World Championships, represented GB at Rio 2016 as the youngest squad member, and competed at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Katie spent last season competing for Cardiff Met Archers in the Women’s Premier League and has represented the NI Academy in the National League.

Speaking on the announcement, Danny Cooper, Disability Sport NI’s Performance Pathways Officer, said:

“This achievement will bring great pride to James, Katie, and the local wheelchair basketball community in Northern Ireland. It’s recognition of the hard work both athletes have put in to stay at the top of the game. For Disability Sport NI, it has been a privilege to witness their journey—from playing side by side at club level to sharing the global stage—and they continue to inspire the next generation of players across Northern Ireland.”

The Championships take place in Sarajevo, Bosnia, from Friday 10 October to Saturday 18 October. For more information click here.

See the full squad list for both sides below:

GB Men
#0 – Lee Fryer – 4.0
#5 – Simon Brown – 2.0
#6 – Kyle Marsh – 2.0
#7 – Terry Bywater – 4.5
#9 – Harry Brown – 2.5
#10 – Abdi Jama – 1.0
#12 – Gregg Warburton – 2.0
#13 – Pete Cusack – 3.5
#14 – Lee Manning – 4.5
#17 – James MacSorley – 2.0
#21 – Oscar Knight – 3.5
#33 – Ben Fox – 3.5

GB Women
#4 – Charlotte Moore – 1.0
#5 – Sophie Carrigill – 1.0
#8 – Laurie Williams – 2.5
#9 – Jude Hamer – 4.0
#10 – Amy Conroy – 4.0
#12 – Lucy Robinson – 4.5
#14 – Joy Haizelden – 2.5
#15 – Robyn Love – 3.5
#16 – Jade Atkin – 4.5
#17 – Maddie Martin – 3.0
#18 – Katie Morrow – 4.5
#24 – Kayli English – 2.0