Who can play?

Anyone physically disabled can play so long as they are able to self-propel a manual wheelchair. There are also able bodied players in the wheelchair game, although these can only play to a certain level. Our youngest player is 12 and the oldest is 66, so as you can see the game is open to everyone and the league structure caters for them all.

How do I get started?

An initial visit to meet the coach and see what the game looks like is a good starting point. Following that, you will need access to a playing chair to be able to join the training sessions. The club has a very limited number of 'spare' chairs which can be borrowed by new players, although we cannot always guarantee having the correctly sized chair for all new players. There is no charge for introduction or starter sessions and coaching advice will be available to help you get started in the game. An information sheet with some basic rules and principles of the game can also be provided.

How much will playing Wheelchair Basketball cost?

There are three basic costs to playing the game at a recreational level.

  • Club membership.
  • A ball.
  • A basketball chair.

    • Annual club membership is currently £ x x x .It is normally payable in September for the full year and there are concessionary rates for juniors, students, the unemployed and pensioners. This covers hall hire, coaching etc. for the entire year so there are no additional weekly subs.

    The cost of a Basketball Wheelchair varies widely from around £750 for a refurbished second hand one to about £2000 for a state of the art new model. Grants are sometimes available and we can advise you on where to look for them. Players often seek sponsorship from local trusts or charitable groups to fund the cost of the chair and are frequently successful. Force also fundraises wherever possible and we are occasionally able to buy new chairs for particular players - most often the juniors. The chairs themselves are very robust and usually the only additional costs are new tyres.

    For players wishing to enter into league competitions there are some additional costs to consider.

  • Registration to the National Association (includes insurance).
  • Travel costs to away venues. Team members try to share cars to minimise the expenses.
  • Spare parts and tools for the chair (not all players do this but it's advisable).
  • Playing kit. The club does supply this but will expect replacement value if it is lost or damaged.

    • Who should I contact?

    If you are interested in Wheelchair Basketball and would like more information or want to arrange a visit, please contact:

                Ian Laker
                22 Griffin Court
                Beverly Road
                London
                W4 2LL

                020 8995 8995 (H)
                020 8569 8955 (W)

    Children

    Children are welcome to join the Club but we would ask a parent to accompany them until the appropriate arrangements have been agreed. Our coaches are asked to provide an up to date 'Disclosure' document (police check) and the club has nominated a member of the Committee for Child Protection: Mrs Nicki Parker-Brown.