Swindon Shock Wheelchair Basketball Club

Aim

Help Swindon Shock grow wheelchair basketball with junior sessions, new sports chairs and inclusive pathways for all.

Who are we?

Swindon Shock Wheelchair Basketball Club is an inclusive community sports club based in Swindon, welcoming disabled and non-disabled players of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy sport, develop new skills, improve their wellbeing and be part of a supportive community

Since founding the club, we've grown into an established wheelchair basketball programme that provides opportunities for complete beginners through to competitive league players. Our members train and compete together in an environment built on inclusion, respect, ambition and community.

Wheelchair basketball is one of the few sports where disabled and non-disabled people can play together on equal terms, making it a truly inclusive sport. Through our sessions, we help people build confidence, improve fitness, develop friendships and become part of something bigger than themselves.

As our membership continues to grow, so does the demand for opportunities to play. This project will allow us to expand what we offer, support more people and strengthen the club for the future. 

Why are we crowdfunding?

We are crowdfunding to launch the Swindon Shock Engagement Project, an ambitious programme designed to increase participation opportunities and build a stronger future for wheelchair basketball in Swindon. 

Demand for our sessions has grown significantly, with more than 35 participants regularly attending training. While this growth is fantastic, it means our coaches and volunteers are increasingly stretched and we need more equipment, more dedicated sessions and more trained volunteers to properly support every player's development. 

The project focuses on three key areas:

Junior Programme

We want to create dedicated opportunities for young people through junior-only sessions, competitive playing opportunities and school engagement activities that introduce wheelchair basketball to the next generation.  

Development Programme

Many players need a stepping stone between beginner participation and competitive league basketball. We will create dedicated development sessions for players aged 15+, helping them build confidence, fitness and skills in a supportive environment.

Workforce Development

To sustain long-term growth, we need more trained coaches, referees and table officials. By investing in volunteers and members, we can increase the club's capacity and ensure opportunities continue for years to come. 

This project directly addresses barriers to participation by creating more opportunities for disabled and non-disabled people to be active, social and engaged through sport. It is designed to create lasting impact, not just a short-term solution.

How we'll spend the money raised

Every donation will help us create more opportunities for people to experience wheelchair basketball and support the growth of an inclusive sporting community. 

Funding raised will support:

• Dedicated junior sports wheelchairs, allowing younger players to participate safely and comfortably. 
• Weekly junior wheelchair basketball sessions that provide a clear pathway into the sport. 
• Development sessions for players aged 15+ who are building confidence and skills before joining league competition. 
• Opportunities for junior and development players to participate in structured league competitions. 
• School festival and outreach events that introduce wheelchair basketball to children across Swindon. 
• Coach, referee and table official training to strengthen the club's volunteer workforce.
• Venue hire, safeguarding, insurance and other essential operating costs required to deliver safe, high-quality sessions. 
• Community engagement, promotion and recruitment activities that help us reach new participants. 

By supporting this campaign, you're not simply funding equipment or sessions. You're helping create an inclusive pathway that supports participants from their very first experience of wheelchair basketball all the way through to regular participation, competition and volunteering. 

Community impact

Swindon Shock is about far more than basketball. We are a community organisation that brings people together, promotes inclusion and creates opportunities for individuals who may otherwise face barriers to participation in sport. 

Nationally, disabled people are significantly more likely to be physically inactive than non-disabled people, and many report that they do not have enough opportunities to be active. Our project helps address this challenge by creating accessible, inclusive sporting opportunities for people of all abilities. 

The impact of this project will include:

• Increased participation in sport for disabled and non-disabled people. 
• More opportunities for children and young people to become active. 
• Improved physical health, wellbeing and confidence. 
• Reduced social isolation through meaningful community connections. 
• Development of local volunteers, coaches and officials. 
• Stronger partnerships with local schools and community organisations. 
• A sustainable pathway that allows people to remain involved in the sport long-term. 

By investing in this project, supporters will be helping create opportunities that reach far beyond the basketball court and deliver lasting benefits across the Swindon community.

How you can play your part

There are four simple ways you can help make this project a reality:

1. Make a pledge

Every donation makes a difference. Whether it's a small contribution or a larger pledge, your support will help us provide more opportunities for people to play wheelchair basketball.

2. Spread the word

Share our project with friends, family, colleagues and across your social media channels. The more people who hear about our campaign, the greater our chance of success.

3. Offer rewards

If you're a local business, we'd love your support. Donating products, services or experiences that we can offer as rewards helps attract supporters while showcasing your business to the local community.

4. Fundraise for us

Want to do something extra? Organise your own sponsored activity, challenge event or fundraiser and help us reach our goal. We'd love to hear your ideas and support your efforts.

Together we can build a stronger, more inclusive future for wheelchair basketball in Swindon.

Help us provide more opportunities, remove barriers to participation and inspire the next generation of wheelchair basketball players. 🏀💜

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 30th November 2026 at 9:48pm