Mission Statement
The Australian Powerchair Football Association’s mission is to provide access to the team sport of Powerchair Football, a modified version of football (soccer) for people in wheelchairs. Powerchair Football is action packed, fast, safe, fun to play and exhibits an exciting mix of skill and ability displayed by those participating.
In providing this access, we allow athletes the opportunity to take their sport to higher levels of competition from local events to regional, state, national and international events.
Strive. Dream. Persevere.
Our Story
Powerchair football was introduced to Australia in 2010 and swiftly embraced by the nation’s robust powerchair sports community. The Australian Powerchair Football Association (APFA) was established that same year to oversee the sport’s development and to assemble a national team for international competition.
In 2011, Australia made its debut at the FIPFA World Cup in Paris, finishing 7th. Since then, the sport has expanded across multiple states, including New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory. APFA has been instrumental in organising annual national championships and fostering the growth of the sport at both grassroots and elite levels. Notably, Australia hosted the 2023 FIPFA World Cup in Sydney, further cementing its commitment to the sport’s international presence.
APFA is now setting its sights on the 2025 APO (Asia Pacific Oceania) Cup, which will be hosted in Brisbane in October 2025. With teams from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea all in attendance and competing for a coveted place at the 2026 FIPFA Powerchair Football World Cup, the tournament is set to continue the ascent of the sport Down Under!
What is Powerchair Football?
Powerchair football is a fast-paced, competitive team sport designed for individuals who use power wheelchairs. Played on an indoor court, two teams of four players (including a goalkeeper) maneuver an oversized football using specially equipped powerchairs fitted with footguards.
The game emphasises strategy, skill, and teamwork, offering players of all ages and genders the opportunity to engage in a dynamic and inclusive version of football. Recognised globally, powerchair football provides a platform for athletes with physical disabilities to compete at local, national, and international levels, fostering community and promoting physical activity.
A brief history of Powerchair Football
Powerchair football originated in France in the 1970s as a recreational activity for people using power wheelchairs, evolving into a formalized sport through collaboration between disability sport organizations worldwide. By the early 2000s, structured rules were developed, and the sport gained international momentum, leading to the formation of the Federation Internationale de Powerchair Football Association (FIPFA) in 2006.
FIPFA standardised the game globally, enabling international competitions including World Cups, and driving growth across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania. Powerchair football has since become one of the most inclusive and widely played sports for athletes with disabilities.
Powerchair football in three words:
EXCITING
Despite the athletes’ powerchairs being restricted to speeds of 10km/h, powerchair football is a fast-paced and engrossing spectacle. With rapid spin-kicks, powerful passes and epic duels, 40 minutes isn’t enough time for all the action!
TACTICAL
This 4-a-side version of football is played on an indoor court measuring 30 x 18m, a similar size to basketball court. Hit ins and set pieces are major scoring opportunities, even more so than in the running game, so field position and how you gain it is vital to a team’s success.
SKILLFUL
When you see powerchair footballers striking the ball with precision, or sliding a pinpoint pass between defenders, you’ll be left with no doubt of the skill of these athletes. Seeing a team working together in perfect harmony really does show that anyone can play the beautiful game.
Who are we?
The Australian Powerchair Football Association (APFA) is the national governing body for Powerchair Football in Australia. We support our member associations across the country and represent Australian Powerchair Football on the international stage.
Our committee meets monthly and includes representatives from each member association, ensuring that athletes, coaches and officials nationwide have a voice in shaping the future of our sport.
Our Member Associations
The APFA Board
The APFA Board plays a vital role in driving the strategic growth of Powerchair Football across Australia by fostering inclusion, securing funding, and strengthening pathways from grassroots to elite competition. Through national leadership and collaboration, the Board ensures the sport thrives, empowering athletes and expanding its reach.
The new board members and positions will be announced at the end of June 2025.