ALBION'S 'A' team is on the verge of clinching the National British Blind Sport Visually Impaired League Division One title.

The Baggies have made a rapid rise from winning promotion at the first attempt last season and now need just four points from their final four games in Saturday's Telford tournament to be crowned champions.

Captain Kurt Butler played for England in the 2002 World Cup in Italy and captained England's multi-disabled winning team in the European Championships.

And, while he is excited about the prospect of lifting the trophy, he insists Albion community programme's disability set-up is about so much more than silverware.

"The Champagne is on ice for the A team," said Butler.

"It's only our second season.

"We won promotion last season and now we're going for the title.

"We've got some very good players and hopefully we can lift the trophy.

"But if it wasn't for West Brom a lot of players we have in the squad would not be able to play competitive football.

"Some of the players are lifelong Baggies fans and it's a dream for them to wear the badge.

"If it wasn't for programmes like this being set up some people would never get the chance to play competitive sport.

"It gives the not so talented players a chance to socialise as well.

"A lot aren't able to get out independently very often.

"There's a bigger picture other than just playing sport for people."

Baggies vice captain and England international John McDougal added: "We're not far off now.

"We've put in a lot of hard work over the season and it's paid off.

"A lot of promises were made and they've been fulfilled.

"Playing week in, week out at good facilities and having professional coaches has also helped my England career.

"We also play for each other as well as the club.

"There are only four games left and we'd rather be nervous playing to win than being nervous about going down.

"Hopefully we can get some silverware as proof of all the hard work we've put in and reward West Brom as well."

The final tournament is taking place at Telford College of Arts and Technology, Haybridge Road, Wellington, Telford, TF1 2NP, if you would like to go and support the team.

PIC: CHAMPIONS IN WAITING...McDougal in action for Baggies' Visually Impaired 'A' team

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