Here at Heat Holders, we are thrilled to announce our 2 year partnership with Aspire Powerchair Sports Club. Now a thriving national and international sport, Powerchair Football has come a long way. More than just a game, it has created a close-knit community where players, families, carers and clubs support one another both on and off the pitch. We caught up with Aspire Powerchair Football Club to learn more about the journey of the sport, the team's achievements, the friendships it has created and some of the challenges players face when temperatures drop.
Can you tell us about Powerchair Football and how the sport has grown in recent years?
The sport was first introduced to the UK in the early 2000s at Aspire Rehabilitation Centre at RNOH Stanmore; this is where Powerchair Football in the UK was born. Back then chairs used for daily activity were crudely adapted using a car tyre as a makeshift ‘bumper’. The game was much slower and less dynamic but it was an important stepping stone.
Since that time the game has grown significantly in the UK and internationally. Here in the UK we now have around 40 clubs, each with multiple teams covering all levels of ability, age and experience. There are now around 1000 players actively playing the sport on a weekly basis in the UK.
As well as the growth in participation, the rules and the equipment have also changed over time. Most players will now use powerful, purpose-built chairs that allow a style and speed of play that nobody thought possible just a decade or two ago. A single chair can cost upwards of £13,000, often funded by players and families themselves, which is why club fundraising and sponsorship is so important in addressing the further cost of training venues etc (thank you!).
Can you tell us about the achievements Aspire has made?
Since its inception in 2002, Aspire have been National Champions on 8 occasions, won the FA Disability Cup 8 times and are the reigning European Club Champions, having won the title in 2024. Aspire’s Captain, Jon Bolding, is also the England Captain, securing the European Championship in 2019. Dan Mclellan is also an England senior player and two other Aspire players participate in the England Development squad.
What do typical training and match days look like for the players?
Aspire train on a weekly basis in Rickmansworth. This is typically a 3 hour session and integrates both the first team (Aspire PFC) and the second team (Aspire Warriors PFC). This ensures the training approach is mirrored in both sets of players, supporting our player pathway.
Aspire PFC play their National-level games in the Slater & Gordon Premiership. Aspire Warriors play in the Slater & Gordon Championship. Each team play over 5 weekends at Nottingham Trent University, totalling 22 games for the whole season. Aspire Teams typically socialise, eat and share hotels together over match weekends.
Is there a strong community around the sport?
The Powerchair football community is an exceptionally close one at all levels – player-to-player, at club level, nationally and internationally.
Typically, disabled people who do not participate in sport often have a smaller social circle, but most players, whether regional or national level, will have direct contact with dozens of players in training, match days and beyond. Inter-team rivalry is always good-natured and teams from across the leagues frequently socialise outside of the game.
Players at all levels are frequently in direct contact with each other. For example, it would be an almost daily occurrence for Jon Bolding (Aspire and England captain) to share messages with players who are just starting the game who are looking for advice and guidance.
Clubs have a strong bond between players, families and carers. Due to the high level of dependency players have, the network within a club will seek to ensure logistical needs are always met, including things like chair maintenance. If any player has any need at any time, there is always someone who is willing to take ownership and help others.
Social media thrives around the game and all players at all levels are able to ask questions or provide opinions, input and guidance.
Friendships cross international borders too, leading to foreign players moving to the UK for short periods to play in the highly competitive English league.
During the colder months, what are the biggest challenges the players face?
This has become a greater challenge in recent years. Sports halls are infrequently heated as able-bodied people do not demand a warmer environment. Add to this the cost of heating fuel, and site owners have allowed buildings to be cooler than in past years.
In some instances individual players have been unable to train or play in regional tournaments, having withdrawn due to the cold environment.
Are hands and feet areas where players particularly struggle to stay warm?
Staying warm can affect the whole body and large number of players will complain of cold hands and feet. Hands have often been the most challenging to keep warm, affecting those with Muscular Dystrophy the most. Due to muscle-wasting hands can be very weak, so a substantial glove is not an option as this would prevent any meaningful control of the chair’s joystick. Fingerless gloves can be used by some and others have utilised what looks like a small transparent ‘tent’ over the hand controls, complemented by a small electrical heater, though with limited success (and also very expensive).
A key factor in keeping feet warm is the absence of footwear for many players. Some conditions shorten the tendons around the feet and prevent the foot being placed in normal footwear, so only socks are worn. It is not uncommon for players to be attended to during playing intervals with hair dryers and other methods for providing respite from the cold.
How important is it for players to look after themselves in the colder weather?
This is always important as many players will struggle to control their core temperature, with some unable to shiver. As chairs are always ‘on the move’ players are always subject to air passing over their hands and bodies continually.
Do spectators, carers and volunteers also spend long periods in the cold?
Yes, typically sat for the majority of a 3 hour training session, they’ll often be found wrapped up warm, though this problem is typically easier to solve.
Are there any products your players regularly ask for or would find useful during winter?
There isn’t really an area of the body that players haven’t mentioned in the past when it comes to the cold. Hands, feet, arms and bodies are almost always the biggest challenge, though gloves that are padded or cover finger tips are often of concern as (1) it limits dexterity (2) some players don’t have the strength to use a joystick with the restriction some gloves create.
Some players have tried battery-powered clothing with a degree of success (such as KEIS motorcycle clothing), though this isn’t typically adopted. Key features/wants of products that would be beneficial might be described as “warm, lightweight, non-bulky”. This is where Heat Holders can provide the ultimate cold-weather solution and why a partnership with the brand felt ideal, especially with their range of thermal fingerless gloves that retain essential dexterity, cosy hats for added warmth, and thermal socks to help keep players (and spectators) comfortable.
Any upcoming matches we can tune into? Where can we watch or visit if we’d like to find out more.
The FIPFA youtube site (FIPFA - YouTube) has games this week between England, France and Denmark. The “Wheelchair Football Association” will broadcast all National level games throughout the season, with live commentary, replays etc, starting on September 5/6th - The WFA - YouTube.
The World Cup in Buenos Airies kicks off in October – Jon Bolding and Dan Mclellan from Aspire will be representing England there. This will also be broadcast on the FIPFA YouTube site.
A huge thank you to Aspire Powerchair Sports Club for sharing their time, stories and insights with us. We’re excited to continue working with the team, so be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay in the loop with more from Aspire and our partnership!
