Talented wheelchair player shining bright over summer at all levels of wheelchair game.
Kimbolton School is proud to announce that one of its students, Dan M., is experiencing a remarkable couple of months of Powerchair Football at both national and international level. At just 15 years old, Dan was the youngest player to don the England jersey and represent his country in the Powerchair Football Home Nations Cup on 25 – 26 May. This prestigious tournament took place in Largs, Scotland with the eight-strong England team playing a series of games against Scotland, Ireland, and Northern Ireland, and winning all their games to retain the Home Nations trophy.
The England team is made up of players who have the highest level of skill and expertise in Powerchair Football and have been chosen through a rigorous selection process. Players are picked based on their technical abilities, tactical awareness, and overall commitment to the sport. Dan, was first selected to play for England back in May 2023 for the Home Nation’s Tournament in Dublin. He then made the England squad that travelled to Sydney in October 2023 to compete in the World Cup – where the team won the silver medal after narrowly losing the final to France on penalties.
Later this month, Dan’s sporting endeavours will extend beyond national borders. On the 17 June he will head to Paris to compete in the Powerchair Champions League with his club team, Aspire PSC, based in St Albans. As reigning UK Premiership Champions, Dan and his teammates are poised to make a significant impact in the tournament, which will see ten clubs from six counties compete to be crowned European Club champions!
Dan, who lives in Cambridgeshire, was diagnosed with Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (UCMD) at just two years of age. The condition causes muscle weakness, joint contractures, and joint laxity and led to Dan being in a wheelchair since the age of eight years old.
Will Chuter, Headmaster at Kimbolton School, said:
“Dan’s dedication, passion and talent serve as a beacon of inspiration, not only to his peers at Kimbolton, but also to the wider community of Powerchair Football enthusiasts. His journey epitomises the spirit of perseverance and achievement, and we look forward to witnessing his continued success on both the national and international platforms. Best of luck Dan – we have every confidence in your outstanding abilities and will be cheering you on!”
Powerchair Football is a uniquely inclusive sport that provides opportunities for people with a high level of impairment to access the game of football. The sport is characterised by its fast-paced, dynamic nature, which offers spectators an exhilarating experience. Players use specially designed powered wheelchairs, equipped with bumpers, in order to manoeuvre and kick an oversized football.
