Dean Williams reflects on his first season as Chair and looks forward to the future.

What a wonderful season it has been, my first as WFA Chair. A huge thank you to the Powerchair Football (PF) community for welcoming and adopting me into the family.

On the ‘pitch,’ we enjoyed extremely competitive Premiership and Championship campaigns, which were seen by more people globally than ever before due to investments in streaming and commentary capabilities. This season, over 70,000 people from 24 different countries watched via our streaming – an 89% increase from the previous season.

Our domestic cup competition, The WFA Cup, served as a superb showcase for our sport live on TNT Sports 1. The atmosphere created by the fans was fantastic and translated brilliantly to all those watching.

Internationally, we enjoyed historic success with Aspire being crowned EPFA Champions Cup winners in Paris in June – the first time in history that a team from England has won the Champions League. Whilst all accolades should rightly lie with the Aspire family, their success also reflects the quality, competitive nature, and nurturing of talent within our National League.

Earlier in the season, the English national team finished runners-up in the 2023 FIPFA Powerchair Football World Cup in Sydney, heartbreakingly losing on penalties in the final against France. Some effort that was. Ironically, many of the players on show that day (from both sides) went on to play in the Champions League Final mentioned above

Wider across our PF pyramid, our Regional Leagues continue to provide wonderful opportunities for our players to play and grow, and, of course, beautifully enable the induction of new clubs into the game. For the first time ever, every Regional League (like the National League) became an England Football Accredited League – setting a standard across our game.

Off the ‘pitch’, it’s been an extremely busy season too.

We have set a Medium Term Strategy (MTS), providing a clear picture of what PF will look like in the 2026/2027 season. This strategy offers direction and a blueprint for the next three seasons.

We have introduced new people and organisations to our wonderful sport. A multi-season sponsorship is pending for the WFA Cup, and six new companies were introduced to our game at the End of Season Awards night alone. We have established a thriving partnership with Class of 92-owned UA92, offering educational opportunities for their students and our community while involving them in researching performance and health-related matters. This collaboration aids our ability to educate coaches, players, parents, and carers within our community.

We continue to enjoy an extremely connected and productive relationship with our friends at The FA, and we are truly grateful for the opportunities they are affording us and our community.

We have had the opportunity to further build our profile as a sport, both in print and on screen. Appearances on ‘The One Show’ and ‘Blue Peter’ are just two examples of raising awareness during this season.

We administered the registration of the first non-European player in the Premiership, a milestone that has never been achieved before in England.

We were able to trial a more event-style offering at Derby Arena for The John Good Group WFA Cup Quarter and Semi-Finals, experimenting with both spectator seating and headsets. This is something we are looking to offer again for the 2024/2025 season as we look to scope and build the stage and environment for Powerchair Football in the future.

Innovation and experimentation have continued with our ‘2 on 1 Podcast’ and The WFA Scoreline App, to name two.

It has also been our pleasure to actively support International Women’s Day and Rainbow Laces, as well as celebrate the International Day of Disabled Persons.

We can acknowledge our progress, but moving forward, it’s important that we continue to have the appetite to improve and strive to be even better.

At the heart of our MTS are four core foundations: ‘Safety, first,’ ‘Opportunity,’ ‘Inclusivity,’ and ‘Competition.’ Essentially, this is our moral compass – the critical areas that guide our focus and decision-making. It’s ‘Safety, first’ for a reason. We will be further strengthening safeguarding and wellbeing within our game, adding to the sterling work already done. Our newly established ‘Technical Committee’ will be front and centre of research, offering advice on ensuring a safe environment for our players on the pitch.

This year, The WFA achieved record-breaking growth across its social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube, driven by high-quality content and significant streaming improvements. Key drivers included surpassing 1,000 YouTube subscribers, enabling monetisation, and the popularity of short videos. Enhanced match commentary and graphics, as well as individual game links, further boosted engagement. Notable metrics include a 588% increase in Facebook reach, a 300% rise in Instagram reach, and a 60% growth in YouTube watch hours. These achievements have laid a strong foundation for continued success and growth in the upcoming seasons.

Financially, we need to continue attracting support to build in line with the MTS and to keep elevating Powerchair Football. We are developing a commercial proposition that will offer a suite of opportunities to individuals and businesses looking to get involved and partner with us.

Make no mistake, this Association is about people. I’m so grateful to have such a strong, tenacious, and spirited community. A community full of brilliant people who are so selfless with their time and unwavering in their support of each other when it’s needed most. The loss of our Fallen Heroes is such a prominent display of this strength. It’s a special family.

Please allow me to express my heartfelt thanks to everybody within our community: players, coaches, parents, carers, supporters, volunteers, officials, classifiers, sponsors, and partners. I am continually inspired by the commitment and enthusiasm shown throughout our vibrant sport.

And a sincere thank you to my fellow Trustees and Leadership Team for their dedication and energy in making us even better. So appreciated, team.

Here’s to next season: a season of more great football, unforgettable moments, new partnerships, and new initiatives.

The WFA’s 2024 Awards Evening, proudly sponsored by UA92, celebrated the exceptional achievements within our field. Each award had a dedicated sponsor, reflecting the strong support and collaboration in our community. We are delighted to announce this year’s winners, recognising their dedication and significant contributions. Join us in congratulating them on their well-deserved success.

UA92, founded by the Class of ’92 and Lancaster University, is dedicated to making higher education more accessible. It champions social mobility and inclusivity through a range of industry-driven degree and higher education courses. With over 80 industry partners, UA92 ensures its curriculum remains relevant, offering students mentorships, guest lectures, and work experience opportunities.

Through this partnership, The WFA and UA92 will offer real-world experiences such as guest lectures, workshops, mentoring, and work placements. These opportunities are designed to equip students with the skills needed for careers in sports management, coaching, media, and related fields. UA92 students will engage directly with WFA projects, gaining practical insights into sports management.

This collaboration also provides WFA players and the wider Powerchair Football community access to UA92’s innovative and accessible educational offerings, supporting career development in sports, education, and beyond.

Sponsor: Sevenoaks PFC

This prestigious recognition is awarded to a player who has demonstrated exceptional skill, performance, and impact throughout the season.

Winners:

• 2023/24 Sevenoaks PFC Premiership Player of the Season: Marcus Harrison (West Bromwich Albion PFC)
• 2023/24 Sevenoaks PFC Championship Player of the Season: Luke Kelly (Greenbank PFC)

Sponsor: G5 Sports Services

Founded in 2015, G5 Sports Services has been dedicated to developing Powerchair Football across the UK by making the Strike Force sports chair accessible to all players and clubs. Over the years, G5 Sports Services has expanded its support to individuals and teams across Europe, providing elite-level sports coaching to ensure player development and a bright future for the sport.

Award Winners:

• 2023/24 G5 Sports Services Premiership Young Player of the Season: Oli Crawshaw (Newcastle United Foundation PFC)
• 2023/24 G5 Sports Services Championship Young Player of the Season: Henry Barnard (Norwich City PFC)

Sponsor: Swizzels

Swizzels, one of the longest-running sweet factories in the world, has been delighting generations with their creations since 1928. A proud, family-owned business, their famous inventions include Love Hearts, Drumsticks, Squashies, and Refreshers, among many others. Committed to bringing joy through its innovative and nostalgic treats, Swizzels values community engagement and social responsibility. The brand actively participates in numerous charitable activities, promoting health, education, and well-being.

We extend our appreciation and thanks to Swizzels and Jonathan Dee for their generous sponsorship and kind donation of sweets for our evening and raffle! 

Award Winners:

• 2023/24 Swizzels Premiership Team of the Season: Newcastle United Foundation PFC
• 2023/24 Swizzels Championship Team of the Season: Greenbank PFC

Sponsor: Leicester City in the Community 

Leicester City in the Community, the charitable arm of Leicester City Football Club, is dedicated to using the power of sport to inspire and support local communities. Through a range of programmes focused on health, education, and social inclusion, Leicester City in the Community makes a positive impact on individuals and groups across the region. Recently, they have established a Powerchair Football club, demonstrating their dedication to inclusivity and providing diverse sporting opportunities. A huge thank you to Matt Bray and Luke Miller for their invaluable work on this project and their ongoing contributions to numerous other initiatives in Leicester.

Award Winners: 

• 2023/24 Leicester City in the Community Premiership Head Coach of the Season: Jamie Harrison (Newcastle United Foundation PFC)
• 2023/24 Leicester City in the Community Championship Head Coach of the Season: Gerry Kinsella & Marcus Harrison (Greenbank PFC)

Sponsor: Loadsure

Loadsure is an Insurtech Managing General Agent (MGA) and Lloyd’s cover holder, currently serving the North American and European markets. Built to tackle the underinsurance crisis, Loadsure leverages high-resolution data and AI to analyse every detail of an assured risk and generate custom insurance policies that match the exact specifications in seconds. By offering real-time, flexible insurance products, Loadsure caters to the dynamic needs of modern businesses, ensuring comprehensive coverage and peace of mind. Their innovative approach revolutionises the insurance industry, providing tailored solutions that are both efficient and effective.

Winners: 

• 2023/24 Loadsure Premiership Goal of the Season: Marcus Harrison vs Nomad Knights
• 2023/24 Loadsure Championship Goal of the Season: Joe Kerrison vs Sale United PFC

Sponsor: Optegra

Established in 2007, Optegra Eye Hospital has rapidly expanded to include over 18 dedicated eye hospitals and clinics nationwide. With a singular focus on delivering outstanding eye health care, the hospital has treated over a million patients. Its consultant-led approach ensures the highest calibre of treatments, from laser eye surgery to cataract surgery, are performed to the highest clinical standards.

Award Winners: 

• 2023/24 Optegra Premiership Top Goalscorer: Marcus Harrison & Brad Bates
• 2023/24 Optegra Championship Top Goalscorer: Liam Ashton

Optegra’s newest clinic in Leicester is particularly exciting, offering state-of-the-art facilities that will provide local residents with easy access to NHS cataract surgery and other ophthalmic treatments, significantly reducing waiting times. Their commitment to exceptional patient care and advanced medical procedures has made Optegra a leader in the field of ophthalmology.

For more information on Optegra’s new Leicester Hospital, visit the link below:

Sponsor: N Family Club

Established in 2017, N Family Club embarked on a mission to revolutionise early years education – crafting an innovative curriculum, fostering an industry-leading team ethos, and delivering a service that significantly benefits families. With locations spanning London, Kent, Surrey, Cambridge, and the West Midlands, they earned recognition as the top-rated nursery group in the UK according to Nursery World Magazine in both 2022 and 2023. N Family Club is dedicated to offering exceptional childcare and education experiences, focusing on creating inspiring environments and fostering a sense of community. Their commitment to the holistic development of children ensures they are well-prepared for lifelong success.

Award Winner: 

• 2023/24 N Family Club Fair Play Award: Norwich City PFC

Norwich City PFC

2023/24 N Family Club Fair Play Award

Sponsor: The Muscle Help Foundation

The Muscle Help Foundation is a UK-based charity dedicated to delivering transformational experiences, known as Muscle Dreams, for children and young people living with Muscular Dystrophy (MD). Founded by Michael McGrath, who himself has MD, the charity aims to provide unique, memorable opportunities that help fulfil the dreams of those affected by muscle-wasting conditions. Through their efforts, they strive to improve quality of life, boost confidence, and create lasting memories for families facing the daily challenges of MD.

Award Winner: 

• 2023/24 Barry O’Leary Services to Powerchair Football Award: Gareth Mitchelson

Gareth Mitchelson

2023/24 Barry O’Leary Services to Powerchair Football Award

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 2023/24 PTC Therapeutics Premiership.

The award categories open for voting are as follows:

• 2023/24 Premiership Player of the Season: This prestigious recognition is awarded to a player who has demonstrated exceptional skill, performance, and impact throughout the season.
• 2023/24 Premiership Young Player of the Season: This category acknowledges the top-performing young player aged 16 and under at the start of the Premiership season (September 9th, 2023). 
• 2023/24 Premiership Team of the Season: This award honours the team that has consistently demonstrated exceptional teamwork, tactical prowess, and on-field excellence throughout the 2023/24 Premiership season.
• 2023/24 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.
• 2023/24 Premiership Fantasy Team of the Season: An esteemed selection honouring the most exceptional individual performers across the 2023/24 PTC Therapeutics Premiership division. This exclusive team should comprise players who consistently showcase outstanding skills, tactical brilliance, and remarkable contributions throughout the season. 

The winners of these prestigious awards will be revealed during the highly anticipated End of Season Awards evening, scheduled for Saturday, July 13th, at the King Power Stadium. This event promises to be an extraordinary celebration of the talent, dedication, and passion that defines 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, and WFA Representatives.
• 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 2023/24 PTC Therapeutics 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 June 30th. 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 PTC Therapeutics Premiership division. Scroll down for the 2023/24 Premiership table and 2023/24 Premiership Top Goalscorer charts. 

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

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

The award categories open for voting are as follows:

• 2024/25 Championship 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 Championship Young Player of the Season: This category acknowledges the top-performing young player aged 18 and under at the start of the Championship season (September 7th, 2024). 

• 2024/25 Championship 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 Championship season.

• 2024/25 Championship 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 Championship Fantasy Team of the Season: An esteemed selection honouring the most exceptional individual performers across the 2024/25 Optegra Championship 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 throughout the 2024/25 Championship 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 Championship 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 Championship 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 Championship 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 Championship division. 

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

The Wheelchair Football Association (WFA) are delighted to be recruiting for the voluntary role of Safeguarding and Wellbeing Lead. This vital role supports The WFA in creating a safe and inclusive environment for all participants, including any potentially vulnerable groups involved in Powerchair Football.

As the Safeguarding and Wellbeing Lead (Trustee), you will champion the right of all WFA members to a safe, accessible, and inclusive environment, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation, or identity. You will work closely with The WFA Safeguarding and Wellbeing Officer and be an active Board member, ensuring that the best interests and wellbeing of children and adults are prioritised and safeguarding is embedded within all WFA activities.

• Title: Safeguarding and Wellbeing Lead (Trustee)
• Salary: Voluntary (average 8-10 hours per month)
• Location: Home-based, with meetings taking place nationally and online
• Responsible to: WFA Chairperson

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain and strengthen governance standards in safeguarding in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance, Charity Commission requirements, The FA’s safeguarding policies and procedures, and associated guidance.
• Embed safeguarding and wellbeing responsibilities in The WFA’s Strategy and Operational Plan.
• Oversee safeguarding processes, including providing relevant training, ensuring compliance with safeguarding policies, and embedding safeguarding commitments in all role profiles.
• Monitor and scrutinise progress against key safeguarding and wellbeing areas, ensuring that the best interests of children, young people, and adults at risk are paramount.
• Ensure that structures, systems, processes, and controls are in place to meet safeguarding and wellbeing requirements and best practices across the sport.

Key Skills and Experience Required (Essential):

• Demonstrable experience in highly effective governance and leading a strategic approach.
• Experience in adult safeguarding with a strong understanding of child safeguarding or vice versa.
• Knowledge of grassroots or other voluntary activity.
• Understanding of charitable organisation operations in line with Charity Commission guidance.
• Awareness of The FA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
• Effective listening skills, ability to ask probing questions, and strong communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.
• Experience in problem-solving and sound decision-making.
• Basic IT skills, including Word, Excel, and email.

Desirable:

• Football club or other sport officiating experience.
• Experience in organisational assessments, audits, or inspections.
• Experience as a member of committees or boards.

This is a home-based role, with meetings taking place nationally and online. While the role is voluntary, expenses can be paid in line with The WFA policy. If you are passionate about safeguarding and wellbeing in sports and have the necessary skills and experience, we encourage you to apply.

Application Process: 

Please send your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability and experience to WFA Secretary Matthew Stevens at: secretary@thewfa.org.uk

The deadline for application is Monday, June 24th, 2024, at midday. 

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to the next stage of the process, including a panel interview.

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The Wheelchair Football Association continues its progress in developing Powerchair Football with the announcement of their first grassroots community partner – MK Battery International.

MK Battery is a leading global supplier of high-quality speciality batteries for deep-cycle and standby power applications. It is committed to providing only the highest-quality products to specialised battery markets.

This enhanced partnership will see MK Battery provide batteries for football chairs, directly assisting The WFA in their aims to establish new Powerchair Football opportunities across England. 

MK Battery will also kindly supply two sets of batteries for The WFA’s End of Season Awards evening prize draw. This is in addition to the current partnership, through which WFA member clubs can purchase batteries and chargers at a reduced cost. 

Dean Williams, WFA Chairperson, said:

“I am delighted that we have secured our first grassroots community partner. MK Battery have been great advocates of Powerchair Football across the globe, and this partnership is another example of their commitment to supporting the game. This will have a hugely positive impact on our plans for growth across England over the next 3 seasons as part of our medium-term strategy and we are grateful to Matt Major and his team for their continued support.”

Matt Major, Vice President & General Manager at MK Battery International Group, said:

“Having been fortunate enough to be involved with Powerchair Football for many years, MK Battery is very proud to sponsor this grassroots initiative.  We look forward to seeing the sport continue to grow and develop so that more power wheelchair users can thrive in this amazing sport.  Powerchair Football changes lives, and we are absolutely delighted to be a part of it!”

We are delighted to announce tickets for The Wheelchair Football Association’s 2025 End of Season Awards evening are now available to purchase. This highly-anticipated event will celebrate the incredible achievements from our 2024/25 season. 

Taking place on Saturday, June 14th, in the Walkers Hall at Leicester City Football Club’s King Power Stadium (Filbert Way, Leicester, LE2 7FL), our awards evening promises to be a night of excitement and celebration, with a range of prestigious awards up for grabs. 

We expect the demand for tickets to be very high; therefore, we want to emphasise that the tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. We have limited availability, so we encourage you to act quickly to avoid disappointment. Once our set allocation has been met, the form below will be shut. So, if you’re interested in attending this fantastic event, we urge you to purchase your tickets as soon as possible. 

To ensure the event is as accessible as possible, we have significantly subsidised ticket prices, covering essential costs with no markup or profit. Adult tickets have been reduced from £43.00 to £25.00, and children’s tickets from £22.00 to £15.00, helping to make the evening more affordable for all.

Non-vegetarian Adult meal (£25):

• Main: Garlic and Thyme Chicken, Mashed Potato, Honey Roasted Carrots, Broccoli, Onion Ketchup and Jus
• Dessert: Homemade Chocolate Brownie, Chantilly with a Chocolate Crumb

Vegetarian Adult meal (£25):

• Main: Roast Garlic and Tomato Risotto, Vegan Cheese, Basil Oil
• Dessert: Homemade Chocolate Brownie, Chantilly with a Chocolate Crumb

Children’s meal (£15):

• Main: Chicken Nuggets, Chips & Beans
• Dessert: Ice Cream

Although tickets are available for individual purchase, we recommend that all attendees coordinate with their respective clubs before buying.

Important Deadline: Catering arrangements must be finalised with the venue by Wednesday, May 14th, so all tickets must be purchased before this date. Last year’s event sold out quickly, so we encourage you to secure your tickets as soon as possible.

For questions or queries, please email Ryan Sipple at ryan.sipple@thewfa.org.uk.

The Wheelchair Football Association (WFA) are delighted to partner with higher education provider UA92 to enhance pathways into sports, media, digital, and business industries for its community.

Founded by the Class of ‘92 and Lancaster University, UA92 stands out for its commitment to making higher education more accessible, championing the principles of social mobility and inclusivity through a range of degree and higher education courses that are led by industry insights. In its drive to modernise and innovate within higher education, UA92 collaborates with over 80 industry partners to ensure its curriculum remains contemporary and relevant, equipping students with a deep understanding of potential career paths via mentorships, guest lectures, and work experience opportunities.

Through this partnership, The WFA and UA92 are set to offer real-world experiences such as guest lectures, workshops, mentoring, and work placements. These opportunities are designed to equip students with the skills needed for careers in sports management, coaching, media, and other relevant fields. UA92 students will get directly involved with WFA projects, gaining insights into the practical aspects of sports management. 

This collaboration also opens doors for WFA players and the wider Powerchair Football community to access UA92’s innovative and accessible educational offerings, aligning with our goal to support career development in sports, education and beyond. 

Dean Williams, WFA Chairperson, said: 

“We are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with UA92, a collaboration born from a shared dedication to fostering opportunity and inclusivity. This alliance was sparked by Spencer Fearn’s introduction, leading us to discover our mutual commitment to empowering individuals. At the WFA, creating opportunities for all is our cornerstone, a vision that UA92 embodies by providing its students with unparalleled access to education and growth.

This partnership will see us combine our expertise in Powerchair and disability football with the innovative educational approach of UA92. We are set to enrich the student experience by integrating practical involvement in WFA projects and events across various departments, further aligning with our mission to bring our sport to a wider audience. For our athletes with aspirations in sports education, UA92 presents an exceptional and accessible pathway.

I am filled with anticipation for the potential this partnership holds. Together, we are set to not only achieve our respective goals but also to make a profound impact on the lives of many. The future of this collaboration promises to be a beacon of inclusivity, opportunity, and educational excellence.”

Sara Prowse, CEO of UA92, said:

“Our founding principles are accessibility, social mobility and inclusivity; we’re committed to making higher education accessible to all, no matter the background, and offer support and financial packages to underpin these commitments, making the career of dreams attainable to many.  Our values are perfectly aligned with The Wheelchair Football Association and we are delighted to be working in partnership.

“Already we have collaborated on course development and guest lectures, and we are only just getting started.  I can foresee some very unique and leading-edge developments coming from our work together and it is exciting to imagine what a difference we will be able to make in many people’s careers and dreams.”

The Wheelchair Football Association (WFA) are delighted to launch its Medium Term Strategy (MTS) for the seasons 2024/2025 through 2026/2027.

We’re excited to share our plan to grow and develop Powerchair Football. Crafted with insights from players, volunteers, supporters, and partners, this strategy reflects our vision to make Powerchair Football more inclusive and accessible.

Throughout this MTS, you’ll notice a deliberate switch from talking in ‘years’ to ‘seasons’ – aiming to provide our community with full transparency of our focus and work. Importantly, we want to outline where we’ll be by the 2026/2027 season, when we celebrate our 20th season of National League competition, fostering a model of accountability across the Association.

Our Mission: “To govern and grow the sport of Powerchair Football in England.”

Our Vision: “Championing opportunities for diverse abilities to play, learn and grow through the power of Powerchair Football.” 

This strategy provides a comprehensive overview of the key goals and aspirations of The WFA, emphasising our dedication to enhancing safety, promoting inclusivity, fostering healthy competition, and providing ongoing opportunities for growth and development.

It covers critical focal areas and dependencies, including efforts to further strengthen safeguarding standards, cultivate relationships within the football community, and advocate for accessibility and inclusivity in sports. Moreover, the MTS underscores our social impact and responsibilities, highlighting initiatives to empower our members, engage with communities, raise awareness, and inspire others. 

To access the full document, please download it using the link below.

We are excited to announce a sponsorship agreement with the John Good Group for the 2023/24 WFA Cup. This initial one-year deal presents an exciting opportunity to further expand the reach and influence of our national cup competition, building on its growing stature and widespread popularity.

The John Good Group is a multifaceted company with a rich heritage, having been established in 1833. A purpose-led group of businesses, which puts people, the planet and performance at the heart of its operations. A sixth-generation company that creates strategies and provides investment for performance, growth and enhances lives for long-term success, with a commitment to sustainability.

Their involvement in the WFA Cup underlines a shared commitment to promoting inclusivity and excellence. Adam Walsh, John Good Group CEO, said, “We are absolutely delighted to be sponsors of the WFA Cup. As a sport, Powerchair Football epitomises inclusivity, competition and achievement, all of which are values that resonate with us strongly here at the John Good Group. We’re looking forward to seeing the tournament get underway and to experience the drama that comes with a sporting knockout competition like the WFA Cup.”

For the 2023/24 season, The WFA Cup will be named the John Good Group WFA Cup, reflecting our new sponsorship agreement with the John Good Group. This partnership coincides with a significant year for the tournament, as we welcome a record-matching 27 teams to the competition. Dean Williams, WFA Chairperson, said: “How incredible to have the John Good Group as sponsors and partners of our prestigious cup competition for this season. A wonderful company led by great people, with values that are very much aligned with ours at The WFA. So proud to have them side by side, and we welcome them with open arms to our Powerchair Football community.”

The first and second round draw of the John Good Group WFA Cup is scheduled to take place at 17:45 on Saturday, December 9th and will be live-streamed across The WFA’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theWFA

For more information about the John Good Group, visit their website below: