Wheelchair users in the Waikato and BoP will soon be able to take part in power soccer, with two separate sides replacing the original joint effort between the two regions.
The two regions will now split into two teams, one for the Waikato and the other for BoP, after each club secured funding from Parafed to help get the equipment required for wheelchair users to play power soccer.
The Waikato/BoP region makes up for one of New Zealand’s largest disabled demographics, and the age range plus the skill to use power wheelchairs in a competitive environment is good in this area.
Michael Pulman, Chris Kennedy, and Tyrone Cook have already been selected for the Waikato squad, and the teenage brothers of Hamish and Austin Taylor are high on the priority list to also join the team.
Current player Mike Pulman says he wants people in the region to make an effort to support one of disability’s fastest growing competitive sports.
Mike also admitted that he personally wants two local Hamilton teenagers involved, single handedly declaring his interest in the Taylor brothers.
“It isn’t just about the sport, it is about connecting these youngsters together. I know many of these young men first hand, and if I could pick the Waikato squad today, the two Taylor boys would be in that squad,” Mike said.
The Waikato club is due to hold their first business meeting this weekend.