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A fundraising appeal has enabled us to buy brand new powerchairs to help local people with a disability play football.

The appeal, which ended earlier this year, raised a fantastic sum of £12,600 – enough for us to buy three new powerchairs.

Fans and local businesses clubbed together to raise the target amount, which was needed to replace old powerchair equipment which had become redundant and fallen into disrepair.

The state of the equipment meant that many of the people who take part in our powerchair football sessions were unable to return to their regular football sessions after the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021.

More than 80 fans made individual donations to the appeal alongside generous gifts from Tysers insurance brokers, and 14 local co-operative retail stores that are part of Southern Co-op.

The new powerchairs are already making an enormous difference to some of our participants.

Nisha Laid, mum of BHAFC Powerchair player Alex, called his new chair “transformative”.

“I would say having had the chair available for Alex has been transformative as whilst being involved in wheelchair football in his own chair was enjoyable, having the proper chair has meant he has been able to join the football team and be a part of something that he hadn’t even considered,” Nisha told us.

“Powerchair football has now become a big part of his life and allows him to feel a part of something positive in his life.”

Hannah Simpson, Fundraising Manager at AITC, was full of gratitude for the tremendous support on show: “We were really blown away by how many people supported us in this appeal.

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to every fan who helped us reach our target – it will make such a big difference to our powerchair footballers. Southern Co-op’s contribution to our appeal was key, so special thanks goes out to them.

Garry Farne, Area Manager for Southern Co-op, said: “We have 14 co-operative retail stores in and around Brighton so when I heard of Albion in the Community’s appeal for three new powerchairs, I spoke to the store colleagues to see if they wanted to get involved.

“We were all so pleased to have been able to donate such a significant amount and make a difference to the players. So many of us are passionate about sport and the community within it, so it is really special to help ensure it remains inclusive.

“Having the opportunity to go along to see these amazing powerchairs in action was great. What the team do at AITC is incredible, and I am delighted we at Southern Co-op have been able to contribute to this fundraiser to achieve the end goal.”

Find out more about how we help people with a disability to play football: https://bhafcfoundation.org.uk/football-participation/disability-football/