Feel the Power at Middlesbrough Sport Village

Feel the Power at Middlesbrough Sport Village

BORO’S Academy players Ben Beales and Jack Hannah joined the MFC Foundation to gain first-hand experience of a powerchair session at Middlesbrough Sports Village. The duo learned about the sport, one which empowers people with a high level of impairment to access football and is the only team participation sport for people who use electric wheelchairs.

“We’ve been working with Middlesbrough Powerchair Football Team for over a year, helping with session delivery and providing them with kit with MFCF branding on the shirt too.

We have sent a coach to their weekly sessions, helping the group with refereeing, coaching and helping participants play the game they love. Most of the group are huge Boro fans and love engaging with the club via our staff and with some players from the club being season ticket holders.”

Dan Openshaw, MFC Foundation’s Disability and Inclusion lead

After listening to an explanation of the sport and a very short trial run, Ben and Jack were keen to get involved.

“I couldn’t speak highly enough of them, they were absolutely fantastic. They took the time to talk with everybody, stopped for photos and jumped straight into a chair to get a proper feel for how participants do what they do.

They learned from some of Middlesbrough’s best powerchair players and after a little coaching and practice, they joined in a full game with all the players. Ben crossed the ball to assist a young player called Caden for his goal and Jack scored a nice goal at the near post.”

Dan Openshaw, MFC Foundation’s Disability and Inclusion lead

Middlesbrough Powerchair compete in the WFA championship and are current enjoying a very good season, sitting just off the top of the league.