The Powerchair Football World Cup started yesterday in Kissimmee, Florida. 10 teams from around the world are competing to lift the trophy on Sunday. For those that don't know about the sport, it's indoors 4v4 played on a pitch the same dimensions as basketball court. It's easier to explain the rules by watching a game! http://www.fipfaworldcuplive.org/ England's first game is today BST 2.30 kick off v Ireland Tournament favourites are England, USA and France. For those that don't know, I'm very much involved with Hull and East Yorkshire's team the Electric Eels so this a bit of an unashamed plug for the sport ! The world governing body FIPFA are hoping the sport will become part of the Paralympics eventually. Anyway, a game schedule can be found on the same link so if you get chance have a look at the sport. Thanks for reading and C'mon England !
Sounds a really good thing to get going. On another note I stayed in Kissimmee on holiday a few years ago, I hope the hotel they will be staying in was better than the one we were put in, it was infested with vermin.
Good luck to the power chair footballers - similar rules to 5 a side? I've watched wheel chair basketball a few times which is quite aggressive- I'll have a look.
It can get very aggressive - chairs have been known to tip. Contact is allowed 'bumper to bumper' but anywhere else on the chair (eg back and side) is penalised) Only 2 defenders allowed in the box at one time. There's also a 2 on 1 rule whereby a team is penalised if 2 team mates are within 3m of the ball and an opponent (the only exception being the goalie in the penalty area) It can be a tricky law to understand for new players and spectators but it encourages a passing game. England play a passing game whereas the French tend to rely on brute force. Enjoy !
England beat Ireland 3-0 in their first game ! Next up is Australia tonight 7pm UK time http://www.fipfaworldcuplive.org/ Court 1
Well, England reached the semis but lost to the USA 2-1. We had a late equaliser controversially disallowed. All the goals came in the second half - here it is. Eventual winners were France beating the hosts USA 4-2 in last night's final. England beat the Aussies to claim 3rd spot.
