Canberra’s Powerchair Football Stars Continue from Strength to Strength.

20 Jul

20 July 2026

New to football fever? The world's game is just as beautiful on wheels.

Every aspiring footballer dreams of the FIFA World Cup. Agonising near-misses, intense rivalries and high-stakes strategy set to the roar of fierce supporters … there’s a good reason football fever takes over the globe every four years.

It takes talent, precision and plenty of grit to master the world’s sport. That doesn’t change for athletes with physical disabilities, though the field may look a little different.

Introducing powerchair football. This version of football (or soccer – whatever you call it, we don’t judge) may swap boots for bumper guards, but the drive for players to score, defend and outmaneuver their opponents remains the same.

Capital Region Powerchair Football is Canberra’s local team. It represents the territory at a national level as part of Capital Football, led by captain Brandon Stroud.

“I’ve been playing powerchair football for seven years now, both in local competitions and at the national club championships,” Brandon says. “It’s a great game. There’s the competitive element, but also a great inclusive atmosphere. We challenge people’s perceptions of disability in sport and have built a solid community of players, families and friends.”

Players use powerchairs fitted with specialised foot guards to pass, dribble and strike the ball. Spin kicks (rapidly turning the chair to strike the ball) are a key technique.

The Hellenic Club of Canberra plays a massive role in driving local sports through its community assistance program. The club has helped fund and maintain specialised powerchairs for Capital Region Powerchair Football since 2022.

“Our club builds community support through the values of generosity, respect and service that are central to Greek culture and heritage,” Design and Marketing Coordinator Sheridan Stroud says.

“Powerchair football gives Canberrans with disabilities a chance to compete, develop friendships, build confidence and experience the many benefits that come with being part of a team.”

“It’s a real honour to support organisations like these as they help build a more inclusive community for all.”

Read the full article here: https://region.com.au/new-to-football-fever-the-worlds-game-is-just-as-beautiful-on-wheels/978773/

Region Canberra | By Morgan Kenyon