Powerchair national league winners get promoted to the premier league
Hi everyone,
I'm Cody, a 20-year-old football enthusiast living with MPS I. I want to share my journey and passion for powerchair football with you. From a young age, football has been a massive part of my life.
My parents often tell me that I always had a ball with me before I needed a wheelchair.
This love for the game only grew stronger as I discovered powerchair football.
Discovering powerchair football
When I first heard about powerchair football, I was thrilled but also quite nervous. The idea of playing football again was exciting, but the reality of navigating a fast-paced game in a powerchair was daunting. The sport uses a classification system similar to the Paralympics, where players are rated based on their mobility. Initially, I was classified as a '2', meaning more mobile, but this meant I didn't get much game time. My reclassification to a '1' turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it allowed me more time on the pitch.
We even laughed about it being the first time that being more impaired was an advantage.
I took my full-time position 😊
Finding my place as a goalkeeper
Despite some challenges, like my eyesight making it hard to see the entire pitch, I found my ideal position as a goalkeeper. I love the responsibility and thrill of guarding the net and shouting at my teammates. The role suits me perfectly, and I enjoy every moment of it.
Training and growth
Training at Liverpool Greenbank Academy once a week has been a transformative experience. The first year was a bit scary. These powerchairs can go up to 12 mph and spin really quickly, but I quickly adapted. After a year of training and playing in local leagues, we got promoted to the national league.
In our first year in the national league, we faced some tough losses, often by large margins like 6-0. But as our confidence and skills grew, we managed to climb up to 8th place by the end of the season.
It was a significant improvement and a sign of better things to come.
The following year, everything clicked. With more training and a strong sense of teamwork, Greenbank PFC started winning matches by wide margins. It truly felt like our year. We ended the 2023/24 National League Championship season at the top of the table with 61 points, winning 20 matches, drawing 1, and losing only 1. Our defence was rock-solid, conceding very few goals throughout the season. This dominance on the pitch was a testament to our hard work and dedication. We finished far ahead of the second-place team, which had only 43 points. Our goal difference was an impressive 80, showcasing our attacking prowess and defensive strength.
Achieving championship glory and beyond
Greenbank PFC's triumph in the National League Championship was the culmination of our hard work and dedication. With 61 points, we were clearly the best team, and our promotion to the Premier League is a dream come true.
We've shown that with teamwork, determination, and a bit of humour, anything is possible.
Looking forward
Looking ahead, I'm excited about the future of powerchair football and my role in it. This sport has given me so much joy and a sense of purpose.
It's not just about winning titles and trophies, but also about the inspiration and happiness it brings to everyone involved.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope it inspires others to follow their passions and overcome any obstacles they face.
Best wishes,
Cody
