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Never did I think that I would play one of my favourite sports in the world, at the tender age of thirty-seven!
It all began when I went to an information fair at the Stillorgan Park Hotel, for people with disabilities. It was here that I first was introduced to Powerchair Football, by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership. Powerchair Football is played by people that use power wheelchairs.
This game is the nearest thing to real soccer that powerchair users are going to get to participate in. It's a very competitive and tactical sport, and you need to be aware of what is going on around you on the court at all times. Powerchair Football has to be played on a hard court in order to provide a surface that allows for ease of movement by the power wheelchairs. It is like normal soccer, as we have to get on our boots.
"Our boots" in this case is a guard around our footplates, and as I learned it would be advisable to use our footplates for adequate protection, just like shin guards!
Powerchair Football is a four-aside game, of 25 minutes a half, and obviously the rules are slightly adapted for the power wheelchair users, but the beautiful game is not diminished in anyway, and there is always that competitive edge, which is necessary for any team sport.
Powerchair Football is very popular around the world as I discovered on You Tube, with International competitions and World Cups in existence; we have a bit of a journey ahead of us to be thinking about that level just now, but hopefully the game will take off in this part of the world.
CBS the American news channel have covered Powerchair Football in their news bulletins, which further cement its growth and popularity. The proof of its growing stature is highlighted by the Powerchair Football leagues popping up all over Europe, so it is not too far from being a reality here that we may, ourselves, be partaking in a league of our own very soon, as there are teams being assembled all over Ireland as I write this article! Like me, a lot of people may have thought other sports for people with disabilities were very mundane, but with this game you can't help but be motivated by it and enjoy it.
Even those around me who never liked or enjoyed the art form that is soccer, are finding the football bug has burrowed under their skin and their enthusiasm cannot be measured!
I have to say that the game is very easy to get excited about and you can see why people want to be involved in Powerchair Football. It's a very passionate sport and you need to be very committed and dedicated to it. It gives people plenty of enjoyment from the game and that's very important to all Powerchair Football players.
*Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Powerchair Football Club trains every Friday evening at DLR Leisure Services Loughlinstown, Co. Dublin, and is co-ordinated by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership.
New Members Welcome! Queries to Phena O'Connor, SIDO, 01 271 9506.
Anyone for Tennis?? Wheelchair Tennis is ongoing at Carrickmines Tennis Club, Dublin 18, on Saturday evenings. Contact Mark Barry at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further details.
Fit 4 Life Club for adults with an intellectual disability. Recommences Tuesday 21st April 2009 at Loughlinstown Leisure Centre, Co. Dublin, from 11.30 am til 12.30 pm. New members most welcome!
Guided Walks for those who are blind or visually impaired. Contact the SIDO for dates and times.
Boccia: Boccia for Adults with a Physical Disability. New Term - Wednesday 22nd February 2009. Loughlinstown Leisure Centre, 2.00pm til 3.00pm. Please register with the SIDO as places are limited. All welcome.
Powersoccer Training for 12+ years. Soccer for those who use a Power Chair. Re-Commences Friday 24th February at Loughlinstown Leisure Centre. 4.45pm til 6.00pm. Please register with the SIDO as places are limited.
ASA Swimming Helpers Course: Swimming for People with Disabilities. Saturday 4th April 2009. Newpark Sports Centre, Newtownpark Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin. Contact the SIDO for further details.
Disability Awareness for Sports Clubs and Adapted Physical Activity Workshop. Ideal for clubs and groups who include/ intend to include people with a disability. April 2009. Venue and Time TBC. Contact the SIDO for further details.
Watch out for further info on Children Inclusive Athletics, Inclusive Swimming Sessions, Adults Summer Activity Days, and many more!
Contact the Sports Inclusion Disability Officer, Phena O'Connor, on 01 271 9506 or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it....
Do you hold coaching qualifications, or are you studying for your Level 1 at present?
Do you require coaching experience for you logbook, or work experience through coaching in a community setting?
If you've answered yes to any of the above questions, and you would appreciate some coaching experience with the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Disability Sports Inclusion Programme, we want you!
Please contact Phena O'Connor, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer, on 01 271 9506 or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ASA Helpers Course, Swimming for People with Disabilities. August 2008, Newpark Sports Centre, Newtownpark Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin. Contact Phena at 01 271 9506 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further details.
Anyone for Tennis?? Wheelchair Tennis is ongoing at Carrickmines Tennis Club, Dublin 18, on Saturday evenings. Next session is Saturday 21st June 2008. Contact Mark Barry in IWA Sport at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further dates.
Fit 4 Life club, multi-sports activity club for adults with intellectual disabilities. Meeting from Monday 20th October 2008, at 11 a.m. in Loughlinstown Leisure Centre. Contact Phena on 01 271 9506 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information.
Blind and Partially Sighted Physical Activity group. Meeting Wednesday evenings from 25th June 2008 - first group meeting at Booterstown DART Station, 7.30pm. Lets Go Walking!!
Watch this Space for upcoming events, including:
- CP Football for All sessions in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown
- Boccia Come and Try Day in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown
- (Contact Phena O'Connor, SIDO, 01 2719506 for further details.)
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