Leon powers ahead thanks to new chair

A DELIVERY of six new specialised powerchairs from the United States has enabled Leon Doyle from Carlow and his Wexford FC teammates to further their ambitions and compete at the highest level possible.

Money for the chairs was raised over the past year through various fundraising events, with a large chunk coming from a table quiz held at the Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow in February.

The table quiz was a huge success; 33 teams turned up on the night, and, by March the €80,000 target needed to purchase the chairs and have them delivered from America had been reached.

Leon’s father, Noel, has thanked those who contributed.

“I’d just like to say a huge thank you to the businesses and individuals in Carlow and the surrounding areas for their help. It’s wonderful that these kids now have the right equipment, and they have a chance to compete,” he said.

Before the arrival of the specialised chairs, Leon and teammates were unable to play competitively and could only play in the odd friendly match. They can now look at joining the other seven powerchair teams across the country in national competitions.

The next step for Leon and his fellow players is to learn the mechanics of their new chairs, with dad Noel describing the change as like moving from five-a-side to 11-a-side soccer.

“These chairs have a very low centre of gravity, and they’re much faster. There are 25 speeds on them and you’re able to turn on a sixpence,” he said.

“Now it is all about tactics. The other teams have had their chairs for maybe five or six years, so tactically, they are a lot better; they know where to position themselves,” he added.

The team train every Friday night in Wexford under the tutelage of coach Andy Carr and are continuing to play invitee friendlies as they wait to join a competitive league.

Noel is positive about the future and says they will keep fundraising so Leon and his teammates can enjoy their sport and have the best possible chance at reaching their full potential.