The generosity of an Isle of Man company’s charitable trust is enabling disabled adults and children to play an exciting form of football.

Manx Sport and Recreation (MSR) has set up the Island’s first powerchair football club and hosts taster sessions in the sport, which sees teams of four use powered wheelchairs fitted with bumpers to move a ball around an indoor court.

The Microgaming Health & Care Trust has already supported the sport, purchasing bumpers, footballs and coaching equipment. Now it has donated a further ?1,500 for the purchase of a football powerchair.

Zoe Crowe, Disability Sports Development Officer with MSR, said: ‘Adults and children with a wide range of physical impairments, including quadriplegia, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, stroke and spinal cord injuries, can enjoy powerchair football.

‘This latest generous donation from the Microgaming Health & Care Trust will allow participants who don’t have access to their own powerchair to benefit from regular physical activity.’

The next taster sessions will be held at the National Sports Centre on Thursday 27th August and Thursday 3rd September (11am to 1pm).

The sessions are open to people of all abilities.

For more information, ring Aaron Quinn, Sports Development Officer, on 01624 688560 or email Aaron.Quinn@gov.im. 

Photo -  Eve Kelly, right, in the chair purchased by the Microgaming Health & Care Trust, together with fellow regular powerchair football participants Reece Moffitt (left) and Aedan Kennaugh.