Dylan Kelsall is a 23-year-old disability footballer from Stoke-on-Trent and has the condition Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy. He competes in powerchair football and captains the side Leeds PFC, who will be competing in their first FA Cup final against Teeside PFC.
The EE Disability FA Cup Finals return to St. George’s Park on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June 2026. Now in its 10th consecutive year, the weekend sees some of the best impairment-specific footballers in the country compete in six finals over two days, including amputee, partially sighted, blind, cerebral palsy, powerchair and deaf.
Ahead of the final, our editor, Emma Purcell, had the pleasure of interviewing Dylan about how he got into powerchair football, his preparations for the FA Cup final, and his passion to grow the visibility of disability football.
Dylan Kelsall on becoming a powerchair footballer
Dylan Kelsall captains Leeds PFC, the current WFA National Premiership Champions, and represents England internationally in powerchair football. He primarily plays as a winger, although at the elite level of powerchair football, every player is expected to be comfortable playing multiple positions depending on the team’s needs.
Explaining how he first got into powerchair football, Dylan said:
“I first discovered powerchair football at a disability sport show where the Wheelchair Football Association (WFA) had a stand promoting the sport. I gave it a go and immediately loved it.
“Shortly afterwards, I received my first sports chair through Caudwell Children’s Sports Equipment Fund. Without that support, I genuinely don’t think I’d be where I am today. Twelve years later, I’m still playing, still representing England, and still loving the sport.”
He added: “What I love most is that once you’re on court, your disability almost becomes irrelevant. You’re judged on your decision-making, your skill, your teamwork and your ability to perform under pressure. It’s one of the few places where people see what you can do before they see what you can’t.”
Dylan Kelsall reflecting on Leeds PFC’s domestic season
Leeds PFC has had an impressive 2025/26 season, winning the WFA National Premiership, becoming the most consistent team in the country and losing just once all season. The team also won the North East Regional League, which means they now have the opportunity to complete a treble by winning the EE Disability FA Cup.
Reflecting on his season and how preparations are going for their debut appearance in a FA Cup final against fellow debutant finalists Teeside PFC, Dylan said:
“Personally, I’ve really enjoyed the challenge of captaining a new group and helping establish standards, culture and expectations within the squad. Winning trophies is fantastic, but seeing a team grow together and achieve things that have never been achieved before is equally rewarding.
“Preparations have been positive. Everyone is excited, but there’s also a real focus because we know we still have one more job to finish.”
Dylan Kelsall on his international powerchair football career
Dylan also represents England in powerchair football. This season was his first senior European Championship, and one of the biggest moments of his career came when he scored the winning goal against Belgium in the semi-final to send England into the European final.
“Representing your country is always special. Whether it’s a training camp, a friendly or a major tournament, wearing an England shirt is something I’ll never take for granted,” said Dylan.
Dylan Kelsall’s thoughts on disability football representation in the media
The EE Disability FA Cup finals will be broadcast across TNT Sports over the weekend of 27th and 28 June 2026. This is an annual occasion for elite disability football to be broadcast on television.
Dylan shared his thoughts on the importance of disability football being more widely available in mainstream media and how it can help inspire the next generation of powerchair football players:
“I’d love to see a future where children grow up knowing powerchair football exists in the same way they know football, rugby or cricket exists. That way, when they meet somebody who plays powerchair football, it isn’t seen as unusual or something they’ve never heard of before. It’s simply another sport.
“Powerchair football shouldn’t be viewed as a lesser version of football. It’s a different sport, but not a lesser sport. It’s fast, tactical, competitive and played by elite athletes.
“We’re already seeing progress internationally. In France, powerchair football matches are being broadcast by mainstream sports providers. It would be fantastic to see more support from broadcasters in England, whether that’s league matches, international tournaments or wider coverage of the FA Disability Cup.
“The more visibility the sport gets, the more opportunities it creates for players, clubs, volunteers, sponsors and future generations.”
Read: An Award-Winning Grassroots Coach Shares The Benefits Of Volunteering In Disability Football
Dylan Kelsall on charity work, content creation and future coaching
Away from playing football, Dylan works for Caudwell Children, the charity that helped fund his first sports chair over a decade ago.
Speaking about the role, he said: “That means a lot to me because it’s a genuine full-circle journey. Without that support, I may never have discovered what was possible through sport. Today, I have the privilege of helping amplify the voices of disabled children and young people, ensuring their stories, achievements and potential are seen and heard.
“One of the things I love most about Caudwell Children is its focus on potential. Every child has different goals, ambitions and dreams. For one young person, that potential might be representing their country in sport. For another, it might be making a friend, gaining independence or building confidence.
“The charity’s role is to help remove barriers and give young people the opportunity to reach whatever their individual potential looks like. Having experienced that support first-hand and now being part of the organisation is something I’m incredibly proud of.”
Dylan also feels coaching is definitely something he could see himself doing after he retires from playing powerchair football, but right now his focus is very much on competing.
Outside of work and football, Dylan also enjoys photography, content creation and following sports.
Dylan Kelsall on facing barriers with a disability and aspiring the next generation of disabled footballers
Living with a form of muscular dystrophy and being a full-time wheelchair user, Dylan admits he does face challenges and barriers:
“I think many barriers come from environments rather than disabilities themselves. Often, people simply haven’t considered how a decision, building or service might affect somebody with a disability because they’ve never had to think about it before. Most people want to help once they understand the challenge, but accessibility is often treated as an afterthought rather than something designed in from the start.
“I’d love to see more organisations involving disabled people directly in decision-making processes. Whether that’s accessibility, sensory needs, toileting facilities or wider inclusion, lived experience is incredibly valuable and can help prevent barriers before they’re created.
“The best accessibility solutions come from speaking to the people who actually use them. Disability isn’t one-size-fits-all, which is why listening to disabled people is so important.”
Dylan finished by sharing his advice to other people looking to get into disability football or other adapted sports:
“My advice would be just give it a go. A lot of people worry about whether they’ll be good enough, fit enough or experienced enough, but everyone starts somewhere.
“Most clubs are incredibly welcoming and will happily invite new players to a training session so they can experience the sport at their own pace. The Wheelchair Football Association website is a great place to find your nearest club and get involved.
“For me, powerchair football has provided friendships, confidence, opportunities to travel, the chance to represent my country and experiences I never imagined I’d have. The hardest part is often turning up for the first session. Once you’ve done that, you never know where it might take you.”
Follow Dylan Kelsall and Leeds PFC on Instagram.
Leeds PFC and Teeside PFC will face off in the Powerchair Disability FA Cup final on Sunday 28th June 2026 at 12:20pm, live from St. George’s Park and broadcast on TNT Sports.
To find out more about powerchair football, you can visit the Wheelchair Football Association website.