Last week, visiting representatives from Middlesbrough Powerchair Football Club delivered taster sessions and workshops to launch the Island’s first club for the world’s fastest-growing sport.
 
Powerchair Football is an exhilarating sport for all adults and children with severe physical disabilities.  It caters for a wide range of physical impairments, including quadriplegia, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, stroke and spinal cord injuries.
 
The Isle of Man Strategy for Sport 2014 – 2024 aims to enrich people’s lives through regular and sustainable participation in physical activity.
 
Manx Sport and Recreation’s Sports Development Unit will lead weekly Powerchair Football sessions for all ages during term-time, enhancing the sports provision for individuals with severe physical disabilities.
 
Zoe Crowe, of the Sports Development Unit, said: “Microgaming Health & Care Trust sponsored the visit from the Middlesborough team who delivered an excellent introduction to the sport.  Everyone had the chance to learn the rules and to gain insight into various session ideas along with information about club development, which is vital as we launch the new club.
 
“With the support from the Trust, the Sports Development Unit has purchased specific equipment including bumpers, coaching equipment and footballs.”
 
The Powerchair Football Club will take place on Fridays (term time) from 3:30pm-5:00pm in the National Sports Centre in Douglas.  The first session will take place on Friday 1 May.