University of East London Student Gregg Baxter has been playing powerchair football for 14 years and has witnessed the sport go from obscurity to gaining significant media coverage. Gregg’s journey saw him win the European Championship in 2019, six years after his Brighton team was promoted to the Premier League in 2013.
Early Years
There is an opportunity for all when it comes to sports; something as small as an advertisement can open up a whole new world of possibility.
For Gregg, it was as simple as a flyer that kick-started his involvement in the sport.
“I first started playing when I was eight after my mum found a flyer advertising a powerchair football taster session at a local school.
“I’ve been football mad from a very young age, but of course, due to my disability, I can’t walk, and I saw this as an opportunity to become somewhat involved with the sport.”
Format
The powerchair football pyramid comprises two national divisions, a championship, and a premiership. Below this level, there are regional leagues in which Gregg has performed, but it is the WFA National League, where Gregg has performed for the last ten years.
At Brighton, he experienced his first taste of powerchair football as part of a team, where he and the team got promoted to the premiership in his second season before he spent seven seasons in the top division. Relegation followed as covid hit, but Gregg remained in the top division when he joined 7Oaks PFC, a turning point in his powerchair career.
“Joining 7Oaks was a big step in the right direction for me as it meant I continued performing at the highest level.
“Unfortunately, due to Covid, I didn’t make my debut until a year after joining, but since my debut, I feel I’ve really pushed myself to the next level.”
When you think of past England success stories your mind may stray towards football, rugby, or cricket, due to the stature of the sports. However, before the Lionesses reached the European Championship final in 2022, the first national side since 1966 to reach a major final was the England Powerchair football team.
Gregg was part of the squad for the final that day, as he was selected in the eight-man squad that travelled to Finland for the EPFA (European Powerchair Football Association) Nations Cup in 2019. It certainly came as a surprise.
Gregg’s England Cap.
“This was my first call up to the national side, an unexpected one. I was given two or three training camps before the tournament but it was the very first night of the first camp in which I was told I would be going to Finland. ‘Blimey you’ve not seen me train yet’, was my instant response.
“I felt a lot of pressure as I was the new kid on the block.” Representing your country at any level in any sport is seen as the pinnacle. “It was a real honour for me to represent my country at a major tournament. I look back with really fond memories.”
European Champions
After losing to France in the group stage, the team faced them again in the final. It can be tough to face a team you know has already beaten you. For Gregg and the England team, it was a case of going out for revenge, and they certainly did that.
“The French, who were the world champions, had already beaten us in the group stage so a big team talk was needed in the dressing room ahead of our final with them. We found ourselves two-nil down but returned to tie the game 2-2 and ended up winning the tournament on penalties.
“It was a great comeback story that I won’t forget in a hurry.”
Gregg with the European Trophy.
Progress
In sports, the industry can witness dramatic change, whether it be equipment, tactics, finances, or players. Powerchair football has undoubtedly significantly improved, particularly in the equipment department.
“We used to play in medical chairs with half a tyre on the front, but now we have designated chairs for our disabilities. These chairs have helped take the passing game up a level and made it more entertaining, especially for those who haven’t watched the game before.” Some may see the sport as a game of bumper cars, but this development in equipment has helped make the game more aesthetic.
The FA are playing their part in pushing the sport further by showing the WFA Cup final every year on BT Sport in an attempt to gain media coverage. This is shown as part of the FA’s disability cup final weekend. It displays the achievements of the national side and an advertisement for opportunities for people to become involved in the game.