Foundation

WBA Powerchair growing their own

WBA Powerchair Academy students have been passing on their knowledge to youngsters in an effort to improve as coaches.

The academy course aims to improve the powerchair footballers on the pitch but also off it, with coaching qualifications and life skills on offer.

As well as aiming to improve the coaches, the football festival had a focus on bettering the young powerchair footballers who attended.

"It's not just about developing them as players, we want to develop them as coaches as well to go back into the community and with their local clubs and go and deliver," said The Albion Foundation's Powerchair Lead, Paul Hunt.

"This is great practice for them, they've planned it, they've delivered it and we want them to evaluate themselves and the whole session as a group.

Held at Queen Alexandra College, a national residential college, the powerchair course attracts participants from across the country and it's hoped they will be able to take back what they learn to their hometowns.

"We want them to be able to go back to their county and deliver sessions to the development players at their clubs," added Paul.

"We want them to give back into our community programme by helping our current sessions - that's what the course is all about."

Amy Sherman lead sessions on the day and is a part of the powerchair academy at the college.

"I really enjoy it because I like passing my experience onto the youngsters.

"It's brilliant to see what I can do and what I can learn.

"I've learnt a more about the game and being more aware in the games. I like wearing the shirt, its good being a part of West Bromwich Albion.

"If you like football then do it because powerchair football is for anyone with a disability so you don't have to feel left out."

To learn more about the powerchair academy, please email paul.hunt@albionfoundation.co.uk.