The Wheelchair Football Association (WFA) is the national governing body for Powerchair Football in England; a unique sport that offers people with physical impairments the opportunity to play football. Since its establishment in 2005, the WFA has played a crucial role in developing and promoting the sport, providing a competitive platform for individuals with physical disabilities.

Powerchair Football is an exciting and fast-paced sport played on a basketball-sized court in a four-a-side format. Players use specially designed powerchairs to manoeuvre and control the ball on the pitch. The sport is inclusive, allowing people of all ages, disabilities, and genders to compete together. It offers participants a chance to engage in regular physical activity and experience competition, which may be rare for many due to their impairments. This helps build important life skills such as teamwork and communication.

AAt the heart of Powerchair Football’s growth and development is The Wheelchair Football Association (The WFA). As the governing body for the sport in England, The WFA is dedicated to offering opportunities for people with disabilities to play and compete at the highest level. Since its inception, The WFA has been crucial in establishing Powerchair Football as a respected and dynamic sport. From grassroots programmes to top-tier competitions, The WFA is committed to supporting the sport’s evolution and providing a platform for players to demonstrate their skills and ability on both a national and international stage. 

Powerchair football is a dynamic and fast-paced version of football adapted for electric wheelchair (powerchair) users. It is typically played on a 30m x 18m basketball court. Two teams of four players (including the goalkeeper) pass, dribble and spin-kick an oversized football as they try to score more goals than the opposing team.

Players compete in specially designed powerchairs for the sport of powerchair football. Metal foot guards are attached to the front of the powerchairs, allowing players to kick the ball. Players ‘spin’ to generate power, striking the ball with the side of the guard for the strongest hits, although often using the front bars of the guard results in a more accurate impact.