Regional News

Powerchair Football Parrallel Games 

On Wednesday, 25 May, the first ever East Midlands Powerchair Football Parallel Games took place in Nottingham. The event saw teams from Nottinghamshire, Nottingham City, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire come together for the conclusion of a schools initiative to battle to be crowned Parallel Games champions.  Following a number of county school festivals, players were selected from various schools to represent their county at this regional event.  The event was won by the Nottinghamshire team, following an impressive 3 unbeaten matches.

 

Powerchair Football has grown massively in the East Midlands, with 4 Powerchair Football clubs, a newly formed East Midlands Powerchair Football Association and schools activity.  This means that players within the East Midlands have access to every level of the sport, from the “grass-roots” to National league competition. Sam Bull, National Development Manager for the WFA, said: “The East Midlands was a ‘priority area’ for the first year of the Football Foundation project. We have made great progress in a short time.  This event is the culmination of partnership working between the Competition Managers, schools, County FAs and our clubs.  We hope the children taking part in this event are only at the start of their Powerchair Football journey.” 

 

The event was used by the WFA to promote the “Rise of Powerchair Football” and the achievements of the first year of a Football Foundation funded national project.  The WFA have been awarded £134,445 from the Football Foundation towards the total project cost of £256,000 over 3 years. “It’s great to launch our National Programme at an event which aims to get new participants involved in our sport. I look forward to seeing the sport grow over the coming years”, said Ricky Stevenson.

 

The East Midlands Powerchair Football Parallel Games was also chosen as part of the UEFA Grassroots day in the build up to the Champions League final.  Jeff Davies, FA National Development Manager – Disability, commented: “The Parallel Games is a wonderful event to showcase with UEFA on its Grassroots day, it gives the participants an opportunity to be involved in a great event as this is one of 100 events around England. The WFA Project launch could not be undertaken on a better occasion as it continues to develop Powerchair football for all abilities”.

 

For more information about the sport of Powerchair Football or the work of the Wheelchair Football Association, please contact Sam Bull:

T: 07885 408440

E: sam.bull@thewfa.org.uk

Or visit WFA

 

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