Power hockey charity secures funding to support expansion

The GB Power Hockey Association works across the country to support people taking part in the sport of power hockey.

Power hockey is played using power wheelchairs with a specialised electric bumper which can trap and shoot a hockey-sized ball.

From its base in Liverpool, the charity has hubs around the country, which create new opportunities for people who may not be able to take part in mainstream contact sport.

The GB Power Hockey Association has now teamed up with law firm Slater and Gordon, which will support its ongoing expansion efforts in working with rugby league teams across the M62 corridor.

With Warrington Wolves already holding a taster session in January, the charity is keen to work with others, and is looking to hold taster days to show both clubs and individuals how positive involvement in the sport can be.

Slater and Gordon’s funding has also enabled the Greenbank Power Hockey Club in Liverpool to receive new shirts.

Ellis Palmer, secretary of the GB Power Hockey Association, says: “Power hockey enables the people you may least expect to be able to participate in team sports to do just that. It helps to tackle the social isolation that disabled people can often experience and creates a route into sport – and it’s very physical too!

“I have Cerebral Palsy and I know what it’s like looking for something you can take part in, but power hockey is perfect, and such good fun too. We are really looking to increase participation and to encourage as many people as possible to get involved.

“Through the support of Slater and Gordon, we will be able to hold more taster sessions with rugby league clubs. I would have loved to have played wheelchair rugby growing up, so this sport is the best alternative for me and many other electric wheelchair users who are rugby fans and who want to play a contact sport.”

Helen Barry, Principal Lawyer in clinical negligence at Slater and Gordon, adds: “Contact sport can be difficult for disabled people to participate in, and that can result in isolation and unfairness. Power hockey is an amazing opportunity to help counter this and to really open up high-tempo contact sport to everyone.

“We’re really pleased to give our support to the GB Power Hockey Association and to help in their efforts to increase participation. Enabling people to have every possible

opportunity is hugely important to us, and we would love to see power hockey flourish even further across the country.”