Beneficiary Story: Finley

Source: Rosalie, Mum of Finley

“We had joined another wheelchair football club in Milton Keynes pre-COVID which wasn’t linked to the Muscle Help Foundation. At that stage, this group wasn’t playing in a league, didn’t have any powerchair’s available to use specifically for football and it was looking to disband.

But even so, Finley was delighted as they provided him with a bumper that attached to his powerchair, and the big sports hall provided plenty of room (with the bonus of smooth terrain) for a great kick about.

It was a small group, and most team-mates were in manual chairs being pushed by carers and parents. Finley really looked forward to seeing them and playing each week, but sadly, COVID then hit, and the sessions stopped for obvious reasons”.

“I realised that Finley needed a proper football outlet. He was in goal at school playtimes, but he was aware that his powerchair caused a barrier between him and the other children, plus he was concerned about accidentally hurting someone. I did quite a lot of research into clubs and found The Muscle Help Foundation charity website and saw that the charity sponsored a powerchair football club. So, I contacted Michael the CEO, who then put me in direct contact with the club coaches.

“Finley was very excited indeed and eager to get going immediately when we arrived for his first session. He couldn’t wait to try out a purpose-built football powerchair and test out its handling and capabilities! We were warmly welcomed; the hall was bustling with players of different ages and abilities and three different teams.

“Joel, Finley’s father, and I transferred Finley with the hoist provided into a club chair which was then adjusted for him. He did need some extra padding and his arm was only just able to reach the controller. We had explained to him that the chair probably would not be an immediate fit as any equipment always needs tweaking, but that didn’t put him off at all.

“We will need to purchase his own chair at some point but thankfully, the club allows you to rent their chair for the time being. Once he was all strapped in, off he went, very cautiously at first but he soon gained confidence throughout the session and was beaming from ear to ear! Finley was quite tired after the first session but couldn’t stop talking about it and said he couldn’t wait until next week – in fact this has been a recurring theme each Sunday!”

“Finley is learning all about sport, team play and different capabilities – he also has the opportunity to socialise with others who have physical disabilities, something he doesn’t do much as he attends mainstream school. It’s a positive and at times competitive atmosphere, with great banter, which he relishes. He loves sport but it can be difficult to access and involves a fair bit of research and travel. Having said that, we have found some wonderful charities like The Muscle Help Foundation, that make things possible”.

Rosalie adds: “Charities like the Muscle Help Foundation are so very important as they acknowledge and foster inclusion and fun, something that can, on a bad day, with a muscular condition be severely lacking.”

“I am so delighted that Finley has joined the Muscle Warriors Powerchair Football Club. It’s wonderful to hear that Finley is thriving in what is a supportive and inclusive sporting environment. The reason MHF fund the club is for the very reason that it exists to improve a young players attributes such as self-confidence and self-esteem. Active participation also improves interpersonal skills including listening and responding as well as looking out for and encouraging other players in the team.

Teamwork really does make the Muscle Warriors PFC dream work – not only did the club win the 2014-15 WFA National Championships but this year sees its 10^th anniversary, so that’s 10 seasons over 10 years which is all down the army of volunteers who make it happen. With the new 2023/24 season fast approaching, I know the players are keen to get back into their chairs and do what they love doing.

In this new post-pandemic world, we know just how important the Muscle Warrior PFC social events are that we organise with the aim to bring players, families, the coach, the manager, and other volunteers together – this not only helps reduce isolation and feelings of being alone but also enables supportive friendships to be established. Our events are not only fun and memorable, but we know they also fuel a very real sense of emotional and mental wellbeing in reinforcing that sense of belonging and shared spirit, unique to the club, often referred to as a family within a family – on this point, we’re looking forward to supporting Finley in ensuring he feels a part of the Muscle Warriors PFC team family. Bring on the new season!”