Powerchair football prepares for its first Sydney Derby
Sydney FC's new Powerchair football stars are presented their jerseys.
Sydney FC’s new Powerchair football stars are presented their jerseys.
Sydney FC are the latest A-League franchise to get behind Powerchair football, taking over the Western Sydney Snipers in launching Sydney Powerchair FC.
Sydney PFC will join the Newcastle Jets, Central Coast Mariners and rivals, Western Sydney Wanderers within the Western Sydney First Division of the NSW Powerchair Football Association.
The Western Sydney Snipers finished League Champions last season, nine points ahead of second placed Central Coast Mariners PFC. Star attacker, Jordan Crane completed the season as top goal scorer and will captain the newly initiated Sydney PFC alongside Poweroos representative, Abdullah Karim.
This winning culture will fit smoothly into the Sydney FC setup, who despite struggling in the A-League, have enjoyed great success throughout their W-League and National Youth League outfits.
Sydney PFC coach, Luke Robinson, describes that he is keen on furthering the club’s achievements, “We are very grateful to Sydney FC for the opportunity to be affiliated with such a proud club.
“This is a huge step in the right direction for Australian Powerchair Football.
“The boys are really ready for the challenge to come and are extremely excited about representing Sydney FC.”
Sydney FC Chief Executive Officer, Tony Pignata said, “We are extremely pleased to be able to support and welcome our new Powerchair Football squad to the Sydney FC family.
“We are confident the squad can bring home the championship trophy in the Sydney FC colours.”
Powerchair football is a variation on football competed in by players in electric wheelchairs. Each team consists of four players, who have foot guards which are used to knock the larger than regular sized ball.
Although having been played internationally since the early 1970s, the sport is relatively new in Australia, having only formed officially in 2010. Exciting and dynamic, Powerchair football is beginning to take off.
This Saturday will mark the inaugural Powerchair football Sydney Derby, as Sydney PFC go head to head with the Western Sydney Wanderers.
The Western Sydney Wanderers were introduced into the league last season, and struggled to compete despite large and vocal support from fans. This season, however, they will be looking to learn from their experiences and improve on their performances – something they are fully capable of.
Captain Andy Waite tells FTSAUS, “The game is one we’re all excited for and thrilled to have the Sydney derby now as a part of Powerchair Football.
“As most teams usually say we are just trying to go into this game as any other game but we all know that’s not going to happen.
“It’s the derby, it’s a big occasion and we’re going in to push for bragging rights of winning the first derby and just as importantly the three points to kick start us this season.”
Both teams come into this derby after rather timid starts to the season, and this weekend’s blockbuster will provide a perfect opportunity for either team to earn their first victory.
Sydney PFC drew with the Central Coast Mariners in their first ever round. The Mariners finished second, last year, and were the Western Sydney Sniper’s main competitor.
Meanwhile, the Wanderers began their Powerchair season with a loss to the Newcastle Jets, having conceded two late goals. The Wanderers will be optimistic however, after being on top for the majority of the game. Captain and Poweroo, Andy Waite, scored an early goal and will be hoping to add to his tally on the weekend.
The game will kick-off 2PM this Saturday the 10th of May, at Kevin Betts Stadium in Mt. Druitt. Entry is free for all, so be sure to come along and show your support.
SYDNEY PFC SQUAD
10. Jordan Crane (c)
5. Dean Crane
23. Kieran Watts
4. Jye Mokluk
7. Abdullah Karim (c)
Coach – Luke Robinson
WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS PFC SQUAD
2. Andy Waite (c)
9. Michael Foxall
6. Alex Scollard
4. Ben Keyte
8. Peter Dalrymple
1. Jacob Cross
Coach – Andrew Scollard
Click here for more information about Powerchair football.
Read my interview (from last season) with Western Sydney Wanderers PFC captain, Andy Waite.
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