For Tristram Peters, powerchair football is more than just a game; it’s a passion, a purpose and a pathway to opportunity.
The Queensland Powerchair Football Association (QPFA) provides opportunities for people with a disability to play the global game of football. As a long-time QPFA member and athlete, as well as being part of the Australian Poweroos, Tristram has been helping grow the sport across the state.
“For those who haven’t seen it before, powerchair football is an adapted version of the sport we know and love, with athletes using specially designed powerchairs to hit the ball,” Tristram explains. “It’s fast-paced, highly competitive and thrilling to watch.”
The Queensland competition currently features three teams, River City Futsal Club, Moreton City Excelsior and Brisbane Strikers, with close to 30 athletes taking part. Matches are primarily held at Nissan Arena, although the league is eager to expand its reach.
Expanding Powerchair Football Across Moreton Bay
That expansion is already underway, with a recent ‘come and try’ day held at South Pine Indoor Sports Centre at Brendale marking the beginning of a push into the City of Moreton Bay.
“We’re incredibly keen to bring more fixtures into the area,” Tristram said. “I’m from Petrie myself, so it would be fantastic to see the local community get behind it. We want to promote this beautiful sport as far and wide as possible, giving more people the opportunity to play it.”
For many players, the introduction to powerchair football is life-changing. Tristram describes the reaction as almost universal.
“Our athletes fall in love with the sport instantly,” he said. “So many have been told that they would never play a dynamic team sport, so to jump in a sports chair is something they cherish. Whether it’s a 10 or a 50-year-old, the reaction is always one of utter joy. I think part of the reason is that it’s not disability sport; it’s just sport.”
That sense of belonging and competition is something Tristram said he knows firsthand.
“I love powerchair football. It’s given me drive and purpose, allowing me to discard my disability and play at the highest level,” he said. “I so desperately want others to have the same opportunity as me, to reap the same benefits.”
The league has recently celebrated a milestone, with River City Futsal Club securing its first local championship, an achievement Tristram was proud to be part of. The team will now compete at the national level, while Tristram and teammate Jack Parry set their sights on selection for the 2026 World Cup in Argentina.
Looking ahead, the QPFA is focused on growth, with training days planned across Southeast Queensland in the coming months.
For those curious about getting involved, Tristram has a simple message: “Just give it a go, you won’t look back.”
Learn more here, or follow QPFA on Facebook for more community updates.
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