‘Powerchair Football gave me a sense of belonging I never had before’

Growing up with a physical disability presented its challenges, both physically and emotionally. However, when I found Powerchair Football I found myself immersed in a world where my wheelchair was not a limitation but instead a tool for empowerment.

The fact the sport has the power to break down barriers and defy stereotypes really resonates with me. It doesn’t matter what disability you have, what matters is your skill and passion for the sport.

I started playing Powerchair Football at the age of 12 through my school and that’s when I found my love for football as a whole.

Through the sport, I was able to feel part of a team and have a sense of belonging like I never had before as my disability did not stand in my way. 

I competed regionally for around three years for both Sevenoaks PFC and Crystal Palace PFC, giving both myself and my family a sense of pride.

During this time I met like-minded people who I am still great friends with now, even though I no longer play.

The FA talent pathway for Powerchair Football, which was established in 2018, was a great introduction to allow disabled people to represent their country and have something to work towards.

The Para Lions now gives young people entering the sport role models like England Powerchair captain Jon Bolding to look up to, which is fantastic! 

Watching how much the sport has grown both nationally and internationally fills me with a lot of hope for the future.  

Since stepping into the media side of sport, I have noticed how powerful it is, especially in the British culture.

As a wheelchair user myself, I feel the recent increased exposure of Powerchair Football in the media, particularly with the 2023 FIPFA Powerchair Football World Cup, helps the disabled community on a much larger scale to feel accepted into society, and it is makes me happy to see organisations taking the sport seriously.

As a journalism student I have recently had the honour of interviewing some Powerchair Football players. I feel great pride in having the responsibility of sharing their stories and hearing how much the sport means to them was truly inspirational. 

Today, despite not being a player anymore, I am still immersed in the world of Powerchair Football and recently became the social media manager of Nomad Knights PFC.

As a wheelchair user, I am particularly looking forward to being a part of getting more recognition for the sport as well as continuing to share the stories of the highly motivated athletes.

Powerchair football is more than just a sport, it’s a community that allows members of a marginalised group to come together and feel accepted whilst playing a sport they love.

If you haven’t already, check out Powerchair Football and help us keep moving the sport forward, it really is lots of fun!