First things first, a massive thank you to the wonderful powerchair football community for making me feel so welcome and inducting me into the world of this incredible sport. I’ve been touched by your warmth.

I’ve just completed 100 days as chair – a period of immense learning, personal growth and a huge amount of fun. It’s been an extremely busy period getting to know so many people connected with our game – both here and internationally.

It’s such a privilege to help lead this unbelievably inclusive and engaging sport. The opportunity we are giving our athletes to play, compete, learn and grow through the passion and spirit of powerchair football is simply outstanding. The foundation laid before my time is impressive and I’m excited to play my part in helping lead our game to the next level.

Outside of getting to know the game and getting involved in the operation, it’s been vital for me to immerse myself into the community and really understand where the energy and appetite is for growth, and of course, develop an awareness of the challenges that are priorities to overcome.

I’ve been entrusted with helping create and lead a future state for powerchair football in England. It’s a super exciting mandate and one that I am relishing. As Trustees and as a leadership team we have been discussing this future state – challenging and aligning on possibilities to gain more awareness/exposure for our sport, and in turn … enhance the opportunity for our players and the wider community.

I believe that there is an order and sequence to everything. It’s important to do things right and at the right time. We will continue to be very deliberate in working through this, but I also believe in being certain with what I am communicating. So, let me share the following with pleasure;

• A medium-term strategy/purpose document outlining the future state of powerchair football in England is being developed and will be completed early in 2024. It will outline our strategy, focus and priorities from the start of season 24/25 through to season 26/27 which is the 20^th season of our National League! It makes sense to think in seasons!
• Aligned with this will be consideration of the structure and processes needed to support this future state.
• An enhanced commercial/partnership model will be developed ready for season 24/25 – offering existing and new partners/businesses compelling options and benefits of engagement, in order to support our sport and our ambitions.

I hope this sounds as exciting to you as it does to me! I look forward to sharing and socialising at the right time.

The learning doesn’t stop. I’ll continue to be really visible both in person and across social channels … please come talk to me when you get the opportunity.

Here’s to the future!