Last Wednesday saw a fantastic event take place at the Haydon Centre, Swindon, in the form of a Wheelchair Football taster day, which ran from 11:00am - 15:00pm. 6 wheelchair users from Swindon took part in the day where they learned how to play "Powerchair football". Wheelchair football is a new sport which is growing rapidly, with over 30 teams participating in the national league next season. It is a fast, exciting game for both players and supporters of all ages.
Swindon Town Football in the Community and the Wiltshire FA helped Living Options, at Pinehurst People's Centre, organise this day. Specialist coaches from the Wheelchair Football Association came down from Newcastle to deliver the coaching and matches. The coaches brought down specialist equipment and 8 top-range powered wheelchairs which reach speeds of upto 12mph and cost £4,500.00 each. The day was designed to raise the awareness of wheelchair football and to promote the work which is being undertaken for disabled footballers in Swindon and Wiltshire.
The morning session saw the players getting to grips with the pace and steering of the chairs, manuveering around cones and post. The coaches then introduced a ball and delivered some fun ball games which encouraged team work and passing, which is required in any form of football. Finally, after lunch, the players learned the rules of powerchair football and went all out in a 4 v 4 game, which was an extremely exciting affair.
Adam Greaney, Swindon Town Disability Football Development Officer, commented, "Living Option approached Football in the Community and the Wiltshire FA to discuss the possibilities of setting up some form of wheelchair football session. We had several meetings and here we are today with an excellent taster event with specialist coaches and equipment. The players have all thoroughly enjoyed themselves and they are all very keen to develop the group and participate in weekly coaching sessions.
A lot of praise must go to Caroline and Martin at Living Options who have ensured this event has been a great success".
All players thoroughly enjoyed the day and as a result we are now in the process of setting up regular wheelchair football sessions and form a wheelchair football club, who can ultimately play in the national league.
If anyone is interested in finding out more about wheelchair football, or sessions for disabled footballers, then please contact Adam Greaney, Swindon Town Disability Football Development Officer on 421303 or Caroline Ockwell, Living Options.