Wanderers v Jets kicks-off at 2pm this Saturday at Kevin Betts Stadium.
While the Western Sydney Wanderers Hyundai A-League team gear up for the finals series our Wanderers Powerchair team are preparing for their second season in NSW-s Powerchair Football competition.
Since the Club-s formation two years ago the Western Sydney Wanderers has prided itself on continual commitment to helping foster the round ball game in Western Sydney and aiding the community of Western Sydney wherever possible.
Throughout the year along with hundreds of player appearances the Wanderers have been continually committed to programs such as the University of Western Sydney WanderAct, Rock and Water project and Schools Cups.
Similarly to these programs our support for the community and football throughout Western Sydney includes a passion for helping develop the game for athletes with disabilities and through this we are proud to be represented by the outstanding athletes of our Powerchair team.
Originating in France in the 1970s, Powerchair football is a variation of indoor football which combines the tactics and communication required for the round ball with the speed, power and control of the wheelchair.
Designed for athletes with quadriplegia, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, head trauma, stroke and spinal cord injury Powerchair Football sees teams of four-a-side battle it out in electric wheelchairs with metal foot cages allowing them to pass, defend and score.
The Wanderers Powerchair team last season mirrored the success of our senior men-s side, storming into the finals in their inaugural season but fell just short in the elimination final.
Three of our five man squad was selected for the NSW training squad ahead of the state championships and coach Andrew Scollard was given the position of NSW assistant coach.
This season we-ve added to our five inaugural players bringing in Michael Foxall who is aiming to help the side build on the success of last season with captain Andy Waite saying Foxall is a key to the side-s plans this season.
“It-s Michael-s debut season in Powerchair Football but he brings a wealth of knowledge from other wheelchair sports and is a really strong leader on the field,” said Waite.
“With Michael as our new recruit we are hoping to have a better understanding of wheelchair sports tactically and pick up a few more wins in the regular season.”
The Wanderers will face NSW rivals Sydney FC, Central Coast Mariners and Newcastle Jets in a 12 game season running from April 12 through to the Grand Final on September 20.
Our Wanderers Powerchair side kick into action this Saturday 12 April when they take on Newcastle Jets in a grudge match following last season-s elimination final.
Get down to Kevin Betts Stadium, Mt. Druitt for a 2pm kick-off and fill the Hyundai A-League off-season with more Wanderers action!
