Somerset’s first and only powerchair football club has been launched in Frome – a form of football played in electric wheelchairs for children and adults with a physical disability.
Frome Powerchair Football Club train once a fortnight at Frome Youth and Community Centre, and already have a team of 10 players, with ambitions to play in regional and national leagues.
The new club has been set up by not-for-profit company, Nova Sports and Coaching, who provide physical activity opportunities for children and adults with additional needs.
Director of Nova Sports and Coaching and coach for the club, Jenny Rutter said, “Frome Powerchair Football Club has quickly become a community-based project. The committee is made up of players’ parents and sponsorship has been given by local organisations including Bradbury Outreach Services and Bradbury House.
“Frome Youth and Community Centre is hosting the team and the club is in talks to partner with Frome Town Football Club for the coming season.
“The sport is extremely quick and exciting. It is played in a sports hall, with four players on each team, and a ball 33cm in diameter, which players hit with a ‘bumper’ on their powerchairs.
“It is extremely inclusive and allows those who may not be able to take part in other activities, to join a team and excel at an extremely skilful and fun sport, in a social environment.
“Powerchair football is an international sport, with England securing 3rd at the 2017 World Cup in Florida. There is also regional leagues for clubs and a national league. The South West Regional League takes place in Taunton and currently has six teams participating.”
The club is looking for players of all ages to join, as well as committee members, coaches, volunteers and supporters. They will be holding an official launch event on Saturday 16th June, open to anyone in the community who wants to know more about the sport and get involved.
“For a powerchair football club to thrive, they need support from their whole local community,” said Jenny. “We are looking for players, supporters, coaches, committee members, fundraisers and funders. Come along and find out more, or simply to enjoy seeing a new, exciting sport in our county. “
At the launch, attendees will be able to meet the club’s players and cheer them on in a sponsored penalty shootout. There will also be a chance to try the sport out for yourself and watch a demonstration of powerchair football by players from clubs in the National League. The club is also asking people to get creative at the event and help design a club logo.
The event will be held at the Frome Youth and Community Centre on Vallis Road on Saturday 16th June from 11.30am to 2pm.
Anyone interested in attending should contact Jenny by Wednesday 13th June on 07880 743453 or by email: jenny@novasportsandcoaching.co.uk
