Mission Statement
The Australian Powerchair Football Association’s mission is to provide access to the team sport of Powerchair Football, a modified version of football (soccer) for people in wheelchairs. Powerchair Football is action packed, fast, safe, fun to play and exhibits an exciting mix of skill and ability displayed by those participating.
In providing this access, we allow athletes the opportunity to take their sport to higher levels of competition from local events to regional, state, national and international events.
Strive. Dream. Persevere.
Our Story
The Australian Powerchair Football Association (APFA) was established in 2010 with the goal of sending a team to the 2011 FIPFA Powerchair Football World Cup.
The sport was quickly embraced by an already thriving powerchair sports community in Australia, with the sport rapidly taken on in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria. Powerchair Football is now also shining in Canberra, the nation’s capital.
Along with hosting annual Club Championships, Australian Powerchair Football has gone from strength to strength. With the Australian Poweroos bettering their 7th place at the 2011 FIPFA World Cup with a 4th place at the 2017 tournament, the team are the current APO Cup winners, claiming the Asia-Pacific-Oceania crown in 2019.
What is Powerchair Football?
Powerchair football is a version of football (soccer) modified specifically for powerchair users. It’s a dynamic and fast-paced sport, with the metal footguard at the front of each chair working as the athlete’s ‘boots’. The sport is played with a 13-inch football, far larger than what you would normally see.
Powerchair Football was developed in the 1980s. Different versions appeared in France and North America and soon spread to Japan and across Europe. The sport is now played in over 30 different countries, with the fourth edition of the FIPFA Powerchair Football World Cup set to come Down Under in October, 2023!
Describe powerchair football in three words:
EXCITING
Despite the athletes’ powerchairs being restricted to speeds of 10km/h, powerchair football is a fast-paced and engrossing spectacle. With rapid spin-kicks, powerful passes and epic duels, 40 minutes isn’t enough time for all the action!
TACTICAL
This 4-a-side version of football is played on an indoor court measuring 30 x 18m, a similar size to basketball court. Hit ins and set pieces are major scoring opportunities, even more so than in the running game, so field position and how you gain it is vital to a team’s success.
SKILLFUL
When you see powerchair footballers striking the ball with precision, or sliding a pinpoint pass between defenders, you’ll be left with no doubt of the skill of these athletes. Seeing a team working together in perfect harmony really does show that anyone can play the beautiful game.
Who are we?
APFA is the head body for Powerchair Football in Australia, providing assistance to our member associations and a voice for Australian Powerchair Football at the international table.
The APFA Committee meet on a monthly basis with all of our member associations represented on the committee. This ensures athletes from across the nation have a say in the direction of our sport.
Our Member Associations
The APFA Executive
Matt Cross
President
Michael Keyte
Vice-President
Martin Dalrymple
Secretary
Peter Turnbull
Treasurer
The APFA Executive are responsible for the running of the organisation, facilitating the growth of powerchair football in Australia. This includes running development events, national competitions and even working on organising the 2022 FIPFA Powerchair Football World Cup, to be held in Sydney in October 2022.