Sevenoaks Powerchair Football Club

Sevenoaks Powerchair Football Club are affiliated with Sevenoaks Town FC but truly are champions in their own right. In fact, back when CommunityAd were celebrating the launch of our first Sevenoaks magazine the Powerchair Football Club were celebrating an undefeated season as Champions.

 

The world has changed somewhat since those care-free, mask-less days and the club, like many across the country, have been unable to meet and compete since the lockdown began back in March of 2020.

CommunityAd had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Adam McEvoy who as Head Coach is charged with the development of the club’s playing philosophy and club ethos. It’s a role Adam adores, as he loves “being able to work with players on a regular basis, seeing them develop, both as people and as players. Many skills that are developed through football can be transferred into everyday life and supporting them along their individual journeys is something we pride ourselves on as a club”.

 

So, Adam, how long have you been involved with the club?

I have been involved with the club since its creation in 2013. Prior to that, the team was a purely school-based team, originating from Valence School in Westerham. As some of the players were close to finishing their education, they wouldn’t be able to continue to play upon leaving school. Coupled with a desire to provide more potential players with an opportunity, the decision was taken to create a new club. With the support of Sevenoaks Town Football Club, the powerchair club was created and has gone from strength to strength.

 

I understand it’s been a long time since the club have been able to carry out its usual activities, what’s been going on behind the scenes? It must feel amazing to be getting back to normal?

This period of uncertainty has been challenging for everyone. Consequently, we’ve tried to keep in regular touch with the players, ensuring that they still have a social outlet and chance to catch up with each other whilst not being able to train and play. We’ve hosted a few club quizzes as well as an online end of season get together last summer. We also looked at some off-field development areas for the players, including some video analysis sessions, self-reflection work and we brought in a sports psychologist to deliver sessions, giving the players some insight into developing the mental side of their game.

 

How important is the club to its members and the wider community?

Our members call the club their ‘football family’ and we actively encourage that ethos with our work on and off the pitch. By the nature of the disabilities our players have, we know that powerchair football holds huge importance to them for their physical and mental health. For their families too, it’s not only an outlet for sport to watch your son or daughter play competitively, but for socialising, respite and additional support. The footballing element is almost secondary to the non-footballing elements of our club!

 

2018 was a glorious year for the club, do you plan/hope to replicate that remarkable achievement this season?

2017/18 was an incredible season for the club, winning the WFA national championship division, remaining unbeaten and securing promotion to the Premiership. Now, our focus is on becoming an established team in the highest division of powerchair football in England. We finished 6th in 2019/20, so we’re naturally aiming to build on this with the young and talented squad we have. They’re all talented and enthusiastic players, so we’re naturally incredibly eager to get back to it and push on as much as possible.

 

Why should readers consider getting involved in terms of voluntary roles or perhaps giving the sport a go?

Volunteers are the lifeblood of sport and we offer something different from the usual involvement in sport and activity and it is highly rewarding. We welcome anyone with a willingness to get involved as well as specific skill sets and experiences to develop our club further. Away from the disability element, the sport itself is fast paced, exciting to watch and the players are extremely skilful athletes.

 

Despite the absence, you’ve kept active on social media, wishing happy birthdays to players, which is a lovely touch showcases what a friendly club you are, doesn’t it?

When the club was first established, as a committee we wanted to have an inclusive and developmental focus, knowing that if we do things correctly, we’ll raise awareness of who we are, grow our membership and make progress on the pitch. Fortunately, we’ve been successful so far! Little things like sharing birthday wishes and our progress are just a few ways of keeping that focus.

 

How long have you lived in the area and what makes it such a pleasant community to be a part of?

I lived just outside Westerham for 3 and a half years before moving to Maidstone to live with my then girlfriend, now wife. I thoroughly enjoyed my time living in the area, friendly people, the beauty of the Weald and the community spirit made it a great place to be part of.

 

To support this fantastic community club and to keep up to date with their plans to establish themselves in the top league the head to the website or social media pages, Facebook @SevenoaksPowerchairFootballClub, Twitter @7oaksPFC.

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