What is Powerchair Football
Powerchair Football is a thrilling, fast-paced sport designed for electric wheelchair users. Played indoors on a basketball-sized court, it features two teams of four players — including a goalkeeper — who use specially adapted powerchairs to pass, spin-kick, and score with a large football. It’s tactical, energetic, and fiercely competitive. The result is a fast‑paced, tactical, and fiercely competitive sport that showcases incredible skill, teamwork, and flair.
At Nottinghamshire Powerchair Football Club (NPFC), we believe football should be for everyone. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a sport that breaks barriers and builds confidence. Whether you're chasing your first goal or your next trophy, Powerchair Football offers a pathway for players to grow, compete, and belong.
Powerchair Football began in France in the 1970s, created by teachers who wanted to give students with physical disabilities the chance to play football in a structured, competitive way. A similar version developed independently in Canada, and the sport later spread to Japan and other countries. Today, it is one of the fastest-growing disability sports in the world.
Each chair is fitted with a metal foot guard, allowing players to strike the ball with precision and flair. Spin-kicks — where players rotate to generate power — are a signature move of the game, and the teamwork on display is second to none.
Today, the sport is governed internationally by FIPFA and nationally in England by The Wheelchair Football Association (WFA). These organisations oversee rules, classification, competitions, and international tournaments.
The Rules
Powerchair Football is played in a four‑a‑side format, with matches typically lasting two 20‑minute halves. The court markings resemble futsal or basketball, and the oversized football makes the game highly visible and dynamic.
Equipment and Technology:
● Spin‑kicks - a powerful turning strike unique to the sport
● Footguards - mounted to the front of each chair for passing and blocking
● Classification - players are categorised (PT1 or PT2) to ensure fairness
● Inclusivity - suitable for players with a wide range of physical impairments
● Tactical depth - positioning, timing, and chair control are essential
Key features include:
Early versions of the sport used Storm 3 and Invacare TDX chairs, which offered basic ball‑striking ability and became the standard for many years. The introduction of the Strikeforce powerchair revolutionised the sport. Designed specifically for Powerchair Football, it offers:
● Higher torque for faster acceleration
● Greater stability during spin‑kicks
● Improved responsiveness and turning radius
● A lower centre of gravity for safer, more dynamic play
Without support from sponsorships, charity and government funding, we would not be able to provide the best equipment.
Why Powerchair Football Matters - Our Mission
Our mission is simple: to make competitive sport accessible, empowering, and joyful for electric wheelchair users of all ages and backgrounds. Powerchair Football is one of the few sports designed specifically for people with complex physical disabilities, including conditions such as Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and Cerebral Palsy, and we’re proud to offer structured, strategic team play that opens the door to meaningful athletic opportunity.
At the heart of our club are four core values that shape everything we do:
Inclusion & Accessibiity
Teamwork & Respect
Development & Excellence
Community Impact
Powerchair Football provides life‑changing benefits for players, offering increased confidence and independence, opportunities to compete at local, national, and international levels, and a strong sense of community and belonging. It builds teamwork, communication, and decision‑making skills, while creating a genuine pathway for athletes with high levels of physical impairment to participate in competitive sport.
Want to Play Powerchair Football? Get Involved!
We’re always looking for new and experienced players to join Nottinghamshire PFC. While we currently operate a waiting list due to limited club chairs, players with their own suitable powerchair may be able to start sooner, so please let us know when you get in touch.
New players are welcome at any stage of their journey. Whether you’re completely new to Powerchair Football or looking for a competitive pathway, we offer supportive coaching, inclusive training sessions, and a friendly team environment where everyone can grow.
Interested in joining us?
Get in touch today to try a session and become part of the Nottinghamshire PFC community.
