People with disabilities across Ayrshire will continue to enjoy the thrills and excitement that come with competitive sport, thanks to the work of Ayrshire Tigers Powerchair Football Club and its commitment to making football accessible for wheelchair users.
The club was established to provide the team sport of powerchair football to wheelchair users throughout Ayrshire.
The players, aged between 10 and 50, live with a range of physical disabilities including cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and spinal cord injuries. Through weekly training sessions and participation in the Scottish Powerchair Football League, Ayrshire Tigers gives players the chance to stay active and be part of a supportive team environment.
Weekly three-hour training sessions are at the heart of the club’s activities, providing players with regular opportunities to build confidence, improve their skills and prepare for league competition.
Accessible indoor facilities are essential for the sport, and the rising cost of hall hire has placed increasing pressure on the club’s resources. To help ensure the club can continue providing these opportunities, Ayrshire Tigers has received £3,300 from Allied Mobility via the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust.
The funding will cover the cost of accessible hall hire, securing training facilities for the year ahead and allowing players to continue training and competing in a safe and suitable environment.
Zarah Barlas, one of the coaches at Ayrshire Tigers Powerchair Football Club, said: “On behalf of everyone at Ayrshire Tigers Powerchair Football Club, we would like to thank Allied Vehicles for their generous support. This donation will help us continue breaking down barriers to participation, ensuring that disabled people have the opportunity to enjoy sport, be active, and experience the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a team.”
David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group, said: “At Allied Mobility, our core business is helping people get moving and supporting wheelchair users to live with greater independence and confidence. We believe disability should never be a barrier to enjoying the thrill of sports, which is why we are delighted to support Ayrshire Tigers Powerchair Football Club. The club is creating opportunities for people across Ayrshire to take part in competitive sport, and enjoy the friendship and benefits that come with being part of a team.”
With the support of the Trust, Ayrshire Tigers can continue providing a welcoming and inclusive sporting environment for wheelchair users across Ayrshire, helping more people experience the enjoyment of powerchair football and building a strong squad for league competition.
