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Alexandra Johnson

Case Study

Alexandra Johnson – Case Study

What is your involvement within powerchair football? 

I am the WFA’s official photographer and I’m primarily at events such as the WFA National League. My role is a brief-driven role, with each weekend of imagery being focussed on different social and ability aspects within the sport. 

How did you initially get involved? 

I was first introduced to the wonderful world of powerchair football in 2016 through the Nottingham City of Football platform. The Nottingham City of Football was selected by Sport England in 2014 as the first ‘City of Football.’ The aim was to help people across the city find their pathway to football in new and interesting ways. The project ran for a year and I was able to witness and photograph multiple forms of football – one of which was powerchair football, which I now love to photograph and it’s my favourite sport to be involved in!

At my first powerchair event, I was introduced to Sam Bull (former National Development Manager) and from there, my relationship with the Wheelchair Football Association grew into what it is today. Since then I’ve been fortunate to attend numerous WFA Premiership and Championship league events, I’ve attended the FA Disability Cup final held at St George’s Park on three occasions and have even travelled abroad as an event photographer at EPFA events. 

What do you like about powerchair football? 

The community spirit. A team can lose, but they still come off the pitch smiling and celebrating as if they have won. Everyone is so happy to be involved in the sport and that’s extremely refreshing to see. This not only goes for the English-based teams, but internationally too. Having recently been at the EPFA Cup in Geneva, it was brilliant to see players from across Europe gather and not only compete but have a great time together off the pitch.

What impact has powerchair football had on you? 

I feel I was extremely narrow-minded when I initially became involved in the sport. When I think of what it meant to have a life-limiting condition, I can honestly say that playing football did not appear on the list in my mind. How wrong was I?! Having initially worked on projects for Nottinghamshire FA and local grassroots teams, I had no idea there was this sport behind the scenes that were being played. 

On my first day, I got knocked over and, in all honesty, felt beaten and bruised, BUT that didn’t matter! To see just how good so many of the players are in the sport is amazing and to watch their growth over the last 5/6 years has been truly inspiring. I am in awe of the ability, commitment, and passion behind all individuals within the game. This has left me wanting to do more and give back. Last year, I ran a half marathon for the WFA and even asked my wife to help (she ran the London Marathon!) in order to reach a better target and allow the WFA to have some additional funding for alternate projects/areas that may not have been on the cards.  

What is your favourite image/images that you’ve taken of powerchair football and why? 

I have three, across both The WFA and EPFA:

Photo 1: Kizzy representing a WFA select team in the EPFA Home Nations Development event in 2017 goal – her joy and celebration was one of the best I’ve ever witnessed

Photo 2: This image of the Spanish coaches has to be one of the best sideline images I have ever captured. It shows the commitment that the coaching staff have to the game as much as the players. This is an image I’d love to play ‘caption this’ with! Antoine Verge – referee coin toss at the EPFA Cup 2022 in Geneva. The commitment these referees make to the sport each game us unbelievable. Watching them gather from all over the world at events like the EPFA Cup is inspiring. 

Photo 3: Antoine Verge – referee coin toss at the EPFA Cup 2022 in Geneva. The commitment these referees make to the sport each game is unbelievable. Watching them gather from all over the world at events like the EPFA Cup is inspiring. 

    How would you describe powerchair football? 

      Technically challenging, fast-paced, visionary and growing! You must watch it to truly understand just how good it is!

      What would your advice be for women wanting to get involved in powerchair football? 

      Do it! Don’t hold back and have a go. The community will take you into the sport with open arms and guide you along the way. No one is below an ability threshold, there is an opportunity for growth, development, and progression across the board. This could be in the form of a player, classifier, referee, coach or even volunteer! It really is an amazing sport to be involved in!