A transformative sport for disabled people is gaining fresh momentum, thanks to new funding that will help expand its reach across the UK. The GB Power Hockey Association, a national charity dedicated to inclusive team sport, has announced a major partnership with leading law firm Slater and Gordon to support its expansion efforts.
Power hockey, a fast-paced and physical game played using electric wheelchairs equipped with custom bumpers, is offering a vital gateway into contact sport for people who are often left on the sidelines.
What is power hockey?
Power hockey is not your average sport. Combining the thrill of contact with high-speed action, players use power wheelchairs fitted with electric bumpers to trap and strike a ball similar in size to a hockey puck. This thrilling and accessible sport provides a level playing field for disabled athletes, offering both physical challenge and team camaraderie.
Unlike many adapted sports, power hockey caters specifically to electric wheelchair users – those who often face limited options for athletic engagement. Its growing popularity reflects a broader movement towards accessible sport for all.
A national network for local impact
With its headquarters in Liverpool, the GB Power Hockey Association already oversees a network of community hubs across the country. These hubs create accessible entry points for people who may not be able to participate in mainstream contact sports.
Thanks to the new partnership with Slater and Gordon, the charity is now better positioned to extend its reach along the M62 corridor, working closely with local rugby league clubs to host taster sessions. The aim is to inspire both clubs and individuals to get involved, demystifying the sport and making it more visible within the wider sporting landscape.
Warrington Wolves has already played host to a successful introductory session earlier this year, paving the way for others to follow suit.
Breaking down barriers with corporate support
The new funding from Slater and Gordon doesn’t just support outreach efforts. It has also enabled the Greenbank Power Hockey Club in Liverpool – one of the charity’s most established teams – to receive brand-new shirts, boosting team pride and visibility.
Helen Barry, Principal Lawyer in clinical negligence at Slater and Gordon, emphasises the broader mission behind their involvement:
“Contact sports can be difficult for disabled people to participate in, and that can result in isolation and unfairness. Power hockey is an amazing opportunity to help counter this and to really open up high-tempo contact sport to everyone.”
This collaboration reflects a shared vision: creating inclusive spaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive through sport.
Voices from the power hockey community
Ellis Palmer, secretary of the GB Power Hockey Association and a passionate advocate for inclusive sports, knows first-hand the transformative impact of this accessible sport.
“Power hockey enables the people you may least expect to be able to participate in team sports to do just that. It helps tackle social isolation and creates a route into sport – and it’s very physical too!”
Living with cerebral palsy, Ellis reflects on the sport’s impact on both self-esteem and community:
“I would have loved to have played wheelchair rugby growing up, so this sport is the best alternative for me and many other electric wheelchair users who are rugby fans.”
With increasing numbers of clubs expressing interest, the association hopes that more electric wheelchair users will find their sporting home in power hockey.
The future of inclusive contact sport
As power hockey continues to gain traction, the sport’s backers are calling on other clubs, community groups, and sponsors to join the movement. By investing in equipment, hosting taster sessions, or simply spreading the word, stakeholders can play a role in building a truly inclusive sports ecosystem in the UK.
Whether you’re a player, a parent, or a sports enthusiast, now is the time to explore what this sport has to offer.
Here is why power hockey matters:
- Breaks down barriers for electric wheelchair users
- Combats social isolation through team sport
- Provides physical activity and mental well-being benefits
- Offers an alternative to rugby for those unable to play mainstream versions
- Encourages community and connection
How to get involved
The GB Power Hockey Association is actively seeking new players, volunteers, and clubs to participate. Interested in attending or hosting a taster session? Reach out through their website or follow them on social media for updates on upcoming events.
Together with supporters like Slater and Gordon, the association is paving the way for a more inclusive sporting future—one that celebrates diversity, ability, and team spirit.