We are Cumbria’s only wheelchair rugby club! A lifeline for disabled people who deserve strength, belonging, and opportunity. The Pumas create life‑changing moments every week, giving people who’ve been overlooked a place to grow, connect, and thrive. Your support keeps that door open.
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0🌟 Penrith Pumas Story: Where Strength Meets Spirit, and Everyone Belongs
Penrith Pumas Wheelchair Rugby began as a spark a spark lit by lived experience, frustration at inequality, and a fierce belief that disabled people deserve more than the bare minimum. Since 2020, that spark has grown into a blazing movement for inclusion across Cumbria.
We were founded to answer a question no one else was asking: Where can disabled people find a sport that challenges them, excites them, and welcomes them exactly as they are? When no answer existed, we built one.
Today, the Pumas stand proudly as the only wheelchair rugby club within 150 miles a beacon of possibility for people who have long been overlooked by mainstream sport. What started as a small grassroots idea has become a thriving, joyful, determined community where everyone is valued, everyone is capable, and everyone belongs.
🏆 Achievements That Inspire: Impact That Lasts
The Pumas’ journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. We’ve climbed leagues, earned national recognition, and even seen our players pull on the Great Britain jersey. But our proudest achievement isn’t found in medals or trophies it’s in the everyday transformations:
- Someone who felt isolated now has a team.
- Someone who doubted themselves now believes they can.
- Someone who felt invisible now feels seen, valued, and unstoppable.
🔥 2025: A defining year!
National 5s Championship Champions with four straight wins, resulting in promotions GBWR Premiership league for the 2026 season. A historic milestone for our grassroots club.
First International Athlete, 18‑year‑old Oliver Wightman selected for Team GB, competing at the European Championships and winning Bronze.
Award Success: Diverse Cumbria Awards where we won awards in the following categories: Positive Young Person, Organisation Champion, Lifetime Achievement and Megan received the BBC Radio Cumbria’s Make A Difference Highly Commended award.
Why We Need Your Support
Every try scored, every new player welcomed, every barrier broken; it all depends on covering the real costs of keeping wheelchair rugby alive in Cumbria. To give you an idea of the cost that goes into the sport;
- Hall hire (3.5 hours): £145 every week. Our biggest ongoing cost without it, nothing happens.
- Playing equipment: Rugby chairs £6,000+ / Tyres £30 / Inner tubes £4+ / Wheel guards £250+. In a full‑contact sport, these wear out fast.
- Competition Costs: League entry fee £1,250 / Accommodation for multi‑day fixtures / Travel across the UK for players and equipment.
For many disabled people, these costs are the biggest barrier to taking part. Your support removes that barrier.
🌟 Your Donation Makes the Impossible Possible
Every donation monthly or one‑off helps us keep wheelchair rugby accessible, empowering, and open to everyone who needs it.