We are delighted to announce the commencement of the End of Season Awards voting process for our Premiership division. Your participation is crucial in determining the deserving winners across various categories as we celebrate the remarkable achievements within our 2024/25 Optegra Premiership.

The award categories open for voting are as follows:

• 2024/25 Premiership Player of the Season: This prestigious recognition is awarded to a player who has demonstrated exceptional skill, performance, and impact throughout the season.

• 2024/25 Premiership Young Player of the Season: This category acknowledges the top-performing young player aged 18 and under at the start of the Premiership season (October 26th, 2024). 

• 2024/25 Premiership Team of the Season: This award honours the team that has consistently demonstrated exceptional teamwork, tactical prowess, and on-field excellence throughout the 2024/25 Premiership season.

• 2024/25 Premiership Head Coach of the Season: This category recognises a head coach’s outstanding leadership, strategic expertise, and impact in guiding their team to success and fostering player development.

• 2024/25 Premiership Fantasy Team of the Season: An esteemed selection honouring the most exceptional individual performers across the 2024/25 Optegra Premiership division. This exclusive team should comprise players who consistently showcase outstanding skills, tactical brilliance, and remarkable contributions throughout the season. 

• 2024/25 Commentator of the Season: This award celebrates the commentator who has delivered exceptional insight, energy, and professionalism across the 2024/25 National League season, enhancing the viewing experience and bringing Powerchair Football to life for audiences.

The winners of these prestigious awards will be revealed during the highly anticipated End of Season Awards evening, scheduled for Saturday, June 14th, at the King Power Stadium. This event promises to be an extraordinary celebration of the talent, dedication, and passion that define our Premiership division.

Before proceeding with the voting, please review the following guidelines:

• Only one submission per person will be counted.
• Voting rights are exclusively granted to registered Premiership Players, Coaches, Match Officials, WFA Representatives and WFA Commentators.
• You must NOT vote for yourself, your teammates, your team, or your team coach, ensuring a fair and unbiased process.
• Any votes that fail to comply with the above rules will be deemed invalid.

In an effort to ensure the voting is as accurate and as fair as possible, only individuals who have been involved in the 2024/25 Optegra Premiership season are eligible to vote. This requirement helps ensure that the voters have a good understanding of the performances and achievements of the participants.

We kindly request you to submit your votes no later than 10:00 am on Monday, June 9th. Voting will close promptly at that time. Your active participation in our End of Season Awards voting will contribute significantly to recognising and appreciating exceptional talent within our Optegra Premiership division. 

If you have any questions or queries, please contact WFA National Development Officer Ryan Sipple at ryan.sipple@thewfa.org.uk.

We are proud to announce that The Wheelchair Football Association (WFA) have been voted the 2024 Slater and Gordon Charity of the Year. 

Competing against nine other incredible charities, we secured an impressive 20% of the total votes. Your votes and unwavering support have played a crucial role in us securing this award, recognising our collective efforts to promote inclusivity and community through Powerchair Football. Thank you so much for every single vote – it means the world.

This award from Slater and Gordon will significantly enhance our ability to grow and govern Powerchair Football, providing substantial funding and a year of fundraising support that will increase our brand visibility. Their generous contribution will allow us to expand our programmes and continue making strides in promoting Powerchair Football across both new and existing communities.

The five-figure donation will not only amplify our impact on individuals, families, and communities across the UK, but their commitment to ongoing support will also allow us to assist more people daily, improve our resources, and extend our reach for years to come.

The WFA was initially established as a voluntary organisation to provide wheelchair users with the opportunity to play football, a previously unavailable option.

Embracing Slater & Gordon’s value of “We don’t wait, we create,” The WFA became the lead body for Powerchair Football in England in 2005 and has grown significantly since then. After becoming a charity in 2012 and a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2014, its impact has only continued to expand. More than two decades on, The WFA is recognised globally as a leading organisation in Powerchair Football, having directly supported thousands in England and influenced many others across the world.

We have strong ambitions for 2025, aiming to significantly expand our reach, enhance player development, and boost overall visibility. We are excited to have Slater and Gordon on board for this journey. Their support, including a significant five-figure donation and a year of fundraising assistance, will enable us to establish more local clubs, invest in coaching and development programmes, and enhance our marketing efforts to ensure that more people have the opportunity to participate in or support Powerchair Football.

Dean Williams, Chairperson of The WFA, shared his excitement about the announcement:

“This is outstanding news and a game-changing moment for us. As part of the award, we are set to receive a significant financial donation, highlighting just how significant this achievement is. Our ability to punch way beyond our weight is a testament to our team’s hard work and the compelling mission that resonated even in the presence of such formidable charity competition.

A huge thank you to our entire team for their relentless efforts and our community and supporters, whose backing is nothing short of a superpower. Your continuous support is the cornerstone of our success. Let’s keep this incredible momentum going and continue to exceed expectations together. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you again.”

Madelene Holdsworth, Managing Director of Specialist Legal Services at Slater and Gordon took part as a judge of the competition. She comments

“A huge congratulations to The Wheelchair Football Association.

From being involved in the shortlisting process myself, it was no mean feat to select ten finalists. Hearing the stories of so many charities and the impact they are making made the decision very difficult. The Wheelchair Football Association should be extremely proud of their efforts and the huge impact they are making.

It will be amazing to see what else they can achieve in 2025. Through a significant financial donation, as well as support from our in-house specialists, we will be with them every step of the way during 2025 to help them achieve even greater things”. 

As part of Safeguarding Adults Week, The Wheelchair Football Association (WFA) is excited to launch Your Voice – a new initiative dedicated to enhancing safeguarding within Powerchair Football. At the heart of our sport lies a steadfast focus on ensuring that all players, coaches, and supporters are safe, supported, and valued.

Your Voice has been established to build and strengthen relationships between The WFA and Club Welfare Officers. This initiative provides a platform for Welfare Officers to share their experiences, challenges, and successes. By fostering open communication, The WFA aims to identify areas where support and guidance are needed and offer targeted assistance to those on the safeguarding frontlines.

Led by Chris Cook OBE and Cath Gouldsbrough, the initiative has already seen promising engagement. Two online sessions have been held, bringing together welfare officers from across the country. We are incredibly grateful for their engagement and insights, which are vital to the success of this initiative. These sessions create a space for discussion and collaboration, paving the way for future development.

Looking ahead, Your Voice will continue to grow, with follow-up sessions planned for March and July 2025. These sessions will further nurture the initiative, ensuring that safeguarding within Powerchair Football remains a top priority.

The Wheelchair Football Association is committed to strengthening safeguarding and well-being within our community. Earlier this year, The WFA was delighted to welcome Chris Cook OBE as a Trustee. Chris brings a wealth of experience to the role, working closely with fellow Trustee Cath Gouldsbrough to uphold the highest safeguarding standards.

Chris has an impressive background, having served in the Lincolnshire Police for 32 years, retiring as a senior officer. His expertise extends to:

• Acting as the Independent Chair of the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Partnership since 2009.

• Serving as the Independent Chair for the Nottingham City, Derbyshire, and North East Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Partnerships.

• Chairing the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel.

In addition, Chris was appointed Safeguarding Director of the Lincolnshire Football Association in January this year, further showcasing his dedication to creating safe spaces within football.

The WFA firmly believes that safeguarding is paramount in all aspects of football. Initiatives like Your Voice and the expertise of our safeguarding leaders ensure that our sport continues to thrive in an environment where well-being is prioritised. Through collaboration, education, and ongoing support, we are committed to safeguarding every individual who plays, coaches, or supports Powerchair Football.

As we celebrate Safeguarding Adults Week, we reaffirm our pledge to make Powerchair Football an inclusive and safe environment for all. Together, we are creating a stronger, safer community both on and off the pitch.

Dean Williams, Chairperson of The WFA, emphasised:

“Safeguarding is and always will be our first priority. Our three-season strategy outlined our ‘four core foundations’ – essentially our moral compass – the core foundations that should guide our focus, prioritisation, and decision-making within the sport. The first of these core foundations is entitled ‘Safety, first’ – ensuring we design, implement, and facilitate an environment that is safe for everybody.“

For further information or support regarding safeguarding, please reach out to:

• Chris Cook OBE: chris.cook@thewfa.org.uk

• Cath Gouldsbrough: welfareofficer@thewfa.org.uk

In this sit-down interview, Adam Walsh, CEO of the John Good Group, and Dean Williams, Chairperson of The Wheelchair Football Association (The WFA), discuss John Good Group’s new multi-year sponsorship of The WFA Cup for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons, following their successful sponsorship in 2023/24. As the official sponsors of The WFA Cup, John Good Group’s continued support will play a key role in elevating the competition and furthering the growth of Powerchair Football. Both parties highlighted the shared values of inclusivity, community engagement, and support for athletes with disabilities as central to this partnership.

Adam Walsh spoke about his evolving journey with Powerchair Football, reflecting on how attending a live event in Nottingham made him realise the skill and athleticism of the players. For Walsh, the decision to continue John Good Group’s sponsorship was driven by a strong alignment of values between the company and The WFA, with a mutual focus on making a positive impact within the community.

Dean Williams stressed that the partnership is not solely about financial backing but about working together to help The WFA innovate and grow the sport. The sponsorship will allow The WFA to trial new ideas within The WFA Cup, laying the groundwork for future development across Powerchair Football. Both Walsh and Williams shared their excitement about creating a lasting legacy through this collaboration, using The WFA Cup as a platform for the sport’s advancement.

The conversation also explored future plans to enhance The WFA Cup, including the introduction of new trophies and expanding opportunities for fans and players to engage with the sport.

A notable highlight of the interview was Dean Williams’ introduction of “The Good Road to Derby” cycle challenge. Born out of a cunning plan by WFA friend and avid cyclist Nick Woodward, this circa 200-mile endurance ride, set to begin on May 9, aims to raise funds for a soon-to-be-launched benevolent fund to support Powerchair Football – including clubs and players in the future. The ride will include stops at sponsor and partner locations, starting at John Good Group headquarters and continuing to Optegra, UA92, and St George’s Park before concluding at Derby Arena on the day of The WFA Cup quarter-finals and semi-finals – May 11.

The cycle challenge aims to raise awareness of Powerchair Football and demonstrate the crucial role that sponsors and partners play in the sport’s growth. The funds raised will contribute to a benevolent fund that will first build, and, in time, provide support across Powerchair Football and to clubs and players, ensuring the sustainability of the sport where needed. By aligning this initiative with key sponsors/partners and engaging the wider community, The WFA hopes “The Good Road to Derby” will become a landmark fundraising event, further supporting the long-term growth of Powerchair Football.

We want to thank John Good Group for their continued support and INIT Creative, the video production company that hosted, produced, and facilitated this fantastic sit-down interview. The partnership between The WFA and John Good Group is set to leave a lasting legacy, with exciting plans in place for the next two seasons and beyond.

You can watch the full interview, “John Good Group’s Multi-Year Sponsorship of The WFA Cup: Adam Walsh & Dean Williams Interview”, below or on our YouTube channel. It’s also featured as an episode on our 2 on 1 – Powerchair Football Podcast, powered by MK Battery, available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts.

We are excited to introduce Simon Evans as the newest Trustee of The Wheelchair Football Association (WFA). He brings a wealth of experience in digital marketing and technology, where he will focus his efforts on enhancing our online presence and strategies. Simon’s expertise will be instrumental in advancing our digital presence, strengthening engagement with our community, and growing awareness of Powerchair Football.

With over 13 years of experience leading the successful digital agency Giant Digital, Simon has worked with not-for-profit and ethical organisations. His collaboration with top charities such as Help for Heroes, Make-A-Wish UK, and Whizz Kidz makes him a valuable addition to The WFA team. His extensive background in business management, marketing, and working with people with disabilities aligns perfectly with our goals of inclusivity and participation for all in Powerchair Football.

In line with The WFA’s Medium Term Strategy (2024-2027), Simon’s expertise will be instrumental in advancing our digital presence. His focus will be on developing a refreshed, dynamic website and members platform designed to engage our community and grow awareness of Powerchair Football across a broader audience. This aligns with our strategy’s goal of ensuring our online platforms are purpose-built to effectively engage diverse audiences, raise the profile of the sport, and attract new participants.

Simon’s work will support the strategy’s commitment to inclusivity and opportunity, ensuring that our digital tools are accessible to everyone. His expertise will help The WFA use digital communication to further connect our community and make Powerchair Football even more visible and accessible.

Speaking about his appointment, Simon said: “I am thrilled to join The WFA as a new Trustee. It’s an honour to support this incredible organisation and help expand its digital capabilities, making the game more accessible and inclusive for everyone involved. I look forward to working alongside the team to enhance our online presence and ensure we can reach even more players, fans, and supporters.”

Please join us in welcoming Simon to The WFA.

John Good Group Extends Sponsorship of The WFA Cup

We are absolutely delighted to announce that the John Good Group will continue to sponsor The WFA Cup for the upcoming 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons, following their successful partnership during the 2023/24 competition. This extended and multi-season agreement will significantly support the growth and visibility of Powerchair Football across England.

The WFA Cup, organised by The Wheelchair Football Association (WFA), is a key domestic competition for Powerchair Football clubs across the country. The tournament follows a knockout format, with teams drawn at random to compete in a series of matches (including a last eight quarter and semi-final day at the spectacular Derby Arena), and culminating in the prestigious final held at the iconic St George’s Park as part of the FA’s Disability Cup Weekend.

With a record 27 teams competing in the 2023/24 season, The WFA Cup has become one of the largest impairment-specific football competitions in the world. For the 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons, The WFA Cup will retain the title of the John Good Group WFA Cup, continuing the successful and record-breaking partnership established in 2023/24.

John Good Group

Founded in 1833, the John Good Group is a sixth-generation family-owned company with a strong purpose-led approach. Over nearly two centuries, the group has evolved into a multifaceted organisation known for its commitment to making a positive impact on the people it serves, the environment, and wider society.

At the core of the John Good Group’s business model is a dedication to sustainable growth, ensuring that its operations and investments are not only commercially successful but also socially responsible. Their focus spans across a variety of sectors, with each venture aligned to the group’s guiding principles of prioritising people, the planet, and performance.

The company’s long-term vision is centred on creating a lasting legacy through positive contributions, from its efforts in reducing environmental impacts to supporting community-focused initiatives. By balancing commercial success with ethical responsibility, the John Good Group has become a leader in fostering long-term success that benefits society at large. Their involvement in sponsoring The WFA Cup highlights their dedication to initiatives that contribute to inclusivity and community development, reflecting their core ethos of making a meaningful difference in everything they do.

Adam Walsh, John Good Group CEO, said:

“I’m delighted we’ve extended our partnership with The Wheelchair Football Association for the next two seasons of The WFA Cup. There’s such good alignment with our group’s core values of making a positive impact on people and communities and,  having been inspired by the success of the 2023/24 competition, we’re keen to now build on that momentum. As a family-owned company with nearly two centuries of history, we understand the importance of fostering long-term relationships and the platform for growth that they can create. Our commitment goes beyond mere sponsorship; it’s about being an active partner in the Powerchair Football community and helping to create opportunities for players to compete and showcasing the incredible talent and determination of these athletes. We look forward to working closely with the WFA to innovate and expand this tournament in the years ahead, so watch this space.”

Dean Williams, WFA Chairperson, said:

“What wonderful news. It was an absolute joy to partner with the John Good Group throughout last season’s competition, watching them engage with our Powerchair Football family. A company with first-class values who are hell-bent on working with us to ensure that this prestigious tournament innovates season on season for our community. I’m so excited to work with them over the period to deliver an even better and bigger proposition.”

2024/25 John Good Group WFA Cup 

Building on the momentum from the 2023/24 season, the upcoming 2024/25 John Good Group WFA Cup promises to be even more thrilling, with key dates and milestones already set. Teams across the country will once again battle it out for the prestigious title, with every round bringing intense competition and excitement. Below are the important dates and structure for the 2024/25 John Good Group WFA Cup:

Rounds One & Two:

• Draw Date: 26th/27th October 2024, to take place during Gameweek 1 of the 2024/25 Optegra Premiership
• Completion Deadline: 10th February 2025

Round Three:

• Draw Date: 15th/16th February 2025, to take place during Gameweek 3 of the 2024/25 Optegra Championship
• Completion Deadline: 31st March 2025

Quarter-finals & Semi-finals:

• Quarter-final Draw: 5th/6th April 2025, to take place during Gameweek 4 of the 2024/25 Optegra Championship
• All Quarter-finals and Semi-finals will be played on 11th May 2025 at Derby Arena
• Semi-final Draw: Will take place immediately after the last Quarter-final on the same day

The final will be held at St George’s Park as part of the FA Disability Cup weekend (date to be confirmed).

2024/25 WFA Cup Registration:

All affiliated club secretaries will receive detailed information regarding registration and entry for the 2024/25 John Good Group WFA Cup. This will outline the steps required to enter your team or teams into the competition. Please be advised that the deadline for submitting your entries is Monday, 20th October 2024. We encourage all clubs to finalise their entries promptly to ensure participation in this year’s tournament.

We’re delighted to announce that Optegra Eye Health Care will be the official sponsor of the 2024/25 National League, supporting both the Premiership and Championship divisions.

This partnership is a significant milestone in The Wheelchair Football Association (WFA)‘s mission to develop Powerchair Football in England, aligning with our shared commitment to improving lives.

Through their sponsorship of The WFA National League, Optegra is extending its support to the Powerchair Football community, contributing to the league’s development and helping to create more opportunities for players with disabilities to compete.

Optegra, established in 2007, is a well-regarded eye care provider offering a variety of eye procedures across its 19 hospitals and clinics in the UK. As well as providing the latest vision correction technologies – from various laser eye surgery procedures to lens replacement and implantable contact lenses – Optegra also works closely with the NHS across England to provide cataract surgery to thousands within just a few weeks of referral, using the highest quality lenses.

The eye hospital group brings together leading-edge research, medical expertise, and state-of-the-art surgical equipment. Its top ophthalmic surgeons are renowned for their areas of expertise, offering excellent clinical outcomes and outstanding patient service.

The WFA National League, now approaching its 19th season, is the top level of Powerchair Football in England. The league has grown significantly since it began in the 2005-06 season and now features 24 teams in the Premiership and Championship divisions. The Premiership, the top tier, consists of 12 teams that compete in a round-robin format, playing each other twice during the season. The Championship operates in a similar manner and serves as the second tier of competition.

At the end of each season, the top two teams from the Championship are promoted to the Premiership, while the bottom two teams from the Premiership are relegated. A play-off match between the 3rd-placed team in the Championship and the 10th-placed team in the Premiership decides the final spot in the top division for the following season. The league structure is supported by six Regional Leagues, providing a pathway from grassroots participation to elite national competition.

The 2024/25 season of the National League will proudly be referred to as the Optegra National League, with the divisions officially named:

• 2024/25 Optegra Premiership
• 2024/25 Optegra Championship

Optegra’s involvement with The WFA’s National League aligns with its broader goal of improving lives. The partnership will help increase awareness of the benefits of adaptive sports and support the inclusion of people with disabilities in competitive activities. With Optegra’s support, The WFA National League is set to continue its growth, offering more players the chance to develop their skills and compete at the highest level.

Dean Williams, Chairperson of The WFA, added:

“My sincere thanks to Optegra for their wonderful commitment and support – it will have a significant impact on our aspirations to grow and, in turn, on those we serve. This is truly a meeting of shared values, and we are so proud to have Optegra with us. Welcome to the family.”

Mat Pickering, Managing Director of Optegra Eye Health Care, said:

“Having met the team at The WFA, it is clear that we share the same values and commitment to improving the lives of as many people as possible, in as many ways as possible. I am constantly aware of the vital role our hospitals and clinics play in their local communities, and we take that responsibility very seriously. And as we have recently opened an NHS cataract clinic in Nottingham, it is wonderful to support this local community, where The WFA’s National League is based. I am proud that we are able to support The WFA this season, and send good luck to all the teams.”

For more information on Optegra and its services, please visit: www.optegra.com

To learn more about The WFA’s National League, please visit: https://thewfa.org.uk/national-league/

To stay connected with Optegra across their various social media channels, please visit the links below:

Optegra’s hospitals and clinics provide a modern, calm and comfortable environment in which our patients can feel relaxed and well cared for through a patient-led, personalised treatment plan.

As centres of eye excellence, they offer facilities with the most advanced surgical and technical equipment. Each location is staffed by a professional clinical team with leading NHS-trained Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons who are all Fellows of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. The Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) at each hospital ensures compliance with the best clinical practice.

Optegra have dedicated eye hospitals across the country in the following locations:

We’re delighted to announce Iffy Onuora as the first-ever Ambassador for The Wheelchair Football Association (WFA).

Ex-professional footballer, Ifem “Iffy” Onuora, a highly respected figure across football, has been appointed as the inaugural Ambassador for the WFA. This appointment is a natural extension of his ongoing role as the Premier League’s Head of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion; Professional Pathways, where he plays a crucial role in promoting best practices across the league. Appointed in April 2021, Iffy also chairs the Premier League’s Black Participants Advisory Group (BPAG) and leads on significant initiatives such as the “No Room For Racism” action plan and the flagship Player to Executive Pathways Scheme (PEPS).

Prior to his role at the Premier League, Iffy spent nine years with the Players Union (PFA) as both a Coach Educator and Equalities Executive. During this time, he also served as a Trustee for the anti-racism organisation Kick It Out and was a member of the FA Council as part of the FA’s Inclusion and Advisory Board. His deep commitment to equality and inclusion has been a defining aspect of his career, both on and off the field. Before joining the PFA in 2013, Iffy held several coaching roles, including Assistant Head Coach and Head Coach positions in the UK and abroad, following a distinguished fifteen-year playing career that spanned three decades.

In his capacity with the Premier League, Iffy works closely with key organisations such as Stonewall and Kick It Out, helping to drive initiatives that create a more inclusive environment within football. His efforts continue to shape how clubs address equality and diversity, embedding these principles at the heart of the sport.

Iffy’s new role with the WFA perfectly aligns with his extensive experience in advancing inclusivity. The WFA’s medium-term strategy, covering the 2024/2025 to 2026/2027 seasons, prioritises growth, increasing participation, and raising the profile of Powerchair Football – goals that resonate with Iffy’s lifelong commitment to equality in the game.

As the WFA moves forward, his experience will be valuable in supporting the organisation’s mission. In his role as an Ambassador, he will advocate for Powerchair Football, assist in initiatives aimed at involving underrepresented groups, and work towards helping make the sport more inclusive.

His appointment is likely to support The WFA’s efforts to make Powerchair Football more accessible, strengthen relationships with clubs, and help introduce initiatives that further engage communities throughout England.

Speaking on his appointment as a WFA Ambassador, Iffy Onuora said: “I’m delighted and humbled to be asked to be an Ambassador for The WFA, especially insofar as it underscores my lifelong commitment to equality in all its forms. I look forward to engaging further with all The WFA family involved in the governance and participation of the sport, and am excited to play my role in bringing Powerchair Football to a wider audience.”

Dean Williams, Chairperson of The WFA, added: “I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome Iffy to our Powerchair Football family. We have been deliberately looking for a handful of individuals who have an insatiable appetite for the game, a commitment to what we are trying to achieve, and the opportunity to share and shout about what a wonderful sport this is. Iffy is a perfect fit for us – his knowledge, experience, and passion for equality, diversity, and inclusivity are exactly what we were looking for.”

Introducing our new Safeguarding and Wellbeing Lead – Chris Cook OBE.

Chris joins us as a Trustee and will work closely with fellow Trustee Cath Gouldsbrough and our entire community, further strengthening safeguarding and well-being within our beautiful game.

With an extensive background, Chris worked for Lincolnshire Police for thirty-two years before retiring as a senior police officer. Since November 2009, he has served as the Independent Chair of the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Partnership. Additionally, he holds the position of Independent Chair for the Nottingham City, Derbyshire, and North East Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Partnerships. He is also the Chairman of the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel.

In January this year, he was appointed Safeguarding Director of the Lincolnshire Football Association.

Passionate about football at all levels, Chris supports Boston United and Tottenham Hotspur. He has played grassroots football in Lincolnshire and currently supports his two grandsons, who play for local teams in the Boston area. His interests also extend to tennis, where he serves as the Chairman of Boston Tennis Club.

Deeply committed to children’s safety, Chris was awarded an OBE in 2017 for his services to children. Speaking about his appointment, Chris said: “I am really looking forward to working with colleagues, partners, and communities connected to The WFA”.

Dean Williams, Chairperson of The WFA, added, “We are delighted to have Chris join us, further strengthening the care and diligence we have across our game. He brings exceptional experience and will be a great addition to the board of Trustees.”

Welcome, Chris!

The Wheelchair Football Association (WFA) is excited to announce the formation of the Technical Committee, a pivotal new body dedicated to researching and recommending safety, standards, and consistency across the sport in England. This initiative marks a significant step forward in our mission to govern and develop Powerchair Football in England, creating an even more inclusive and well-regulated environment for all participants. There will be collaboration and insight shared at an international regulatory level, ensuring full transparency and a partnership approach. Of course, we are not saying the sport is unsafe; rather, we have a responsibility to our athletes to ensure ongoing safety, standards, and consistency within the game.

Leading this new endeavour is Alex Dowding, appointed as the Chairperson of the Technical Committee. With extensive experience in the sport and a deep commitment to its community, Alex is ideally positioned to steer the committee’s work. Their leadership will be instrumental in developing regulations that reflect the needs and aspirations of players, clubs, and stakeholders alike.

THE STRUCTURE AND OPERATION OF THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE

The Technical Committee will operate with a collaborative and inclusive framework. We are committed to engaging with a broad range of stakeholders, including manufacturers, players, and clubs. This consultative approach ensures that the regulations we develop are well-informed and comprehensive, reflecting the diverse perspectives within our community.

We will be encouraging a partnership approach to foster open communication and cooperation, aiming to create a transparent process where all voices can be heard. This will not only enhance the quality of our regulations but also build trust and engagement among all involved in the sport.

AREAS FOR INITIAL CONSIDERATION

The Technical Committee will initially focus on several key areas to ensure the safety and fairness of the sport. Some of the areas under consideration include:

• Motor and Control Unit Settings: Establishing guidelines for the power and control systems to ensure uniformity and safety.
• Speed/Performance Limits: Setting limits on the speed and performance capabilities of powerchairs.
• Batteries: Regulations on battery types and specifications.
• Weights: Standardising chair weights to ensure equity across different models.
• Joysticks and Control Interfaces: Guidelines on the types of control interfaces used, ensuring accessibility and consistency.
• Harnesses/Straps/Belts/Headrests: Safety standards for securing players in their chairs.
• Overhangs and Backplates: Specifications to maintain safety and prevent mechanical advantages.
• Signage and Front Numbers: Standardised signage and numbering for easy identification and regulation compliance, as well as guidance on slogans, advertising, etc.
• Emergency Cut-Off Systems: Possibility of implementing mandatory safety systems for emergency situations.
• Tyre Pressure/Tread Depth/Tyre Check: Ensuring that all chairs meet safety and performance standards.

These areas represent the starting point for our regulatory framework. As the committee’s work progresses, we will continue to monitor and adjust these regulations to respond to new developments and challenges in the sport. We have a responsibility to our athletes to ensure ongoing safety, standards, and consistency within the game.

Looking Ahead

We are also excited to announce that further appointments to the committee will be made soon. The expertise and passion that our new members bring will be invaluable in helping shape the future of Powerchair Football. We are confident that these efforts will lead to an even more organised, safe, and enjoyable experience for all players.

Stay tuned for more updates, and join us in supporting the growth and development of Powerchair Football in England. We look forward to your thoughts and feedback as we embark on this new chapter.

Should you have any questions or queries regarding The WFA’s Technical Committee, email Alex Dowding at alex.dowding@thewfa.org.uk.