Wheelchair Purchase Project

Aim: Widnes Vikings Wheelchair Rugby League Team are raising funds to purchase 2 new sports wheelchairs and spare parts.

Who are we?

"From the moment I arrived, I felt genuinely welcomed by everyone. Sitting in a sports wheelchair for the very first time and getting involved in the action, I was instantly hooked. I couldn’t believe how fun, fast, and fierce the game was. It was exhilarating and for the first time in my life, I felt truly part of a team sport." Chris, Player.

We are the Widnes Vikings Wheelchair Rugby League Team part of the Vikings Sport Foundation.  Wheelchair Rugby League (WhRL) is a fully inclusive sport. Anyone can play regardless of disability, age, or gender.  We provide a unique space where disabled and able-bodied athletes compete with and against each other on a level playing field.  Widnes is a traditional rugby league town and we proudly represent it against teams from all over the country.  

We compete in the Championship West Division, as well as the Challenge Trophy, and organise many development games for new and inexperienced players to get meaningful game time.  Past and current members of our team have received international honours, representing each of the four home nations at the highest level.  We train every Tuesday night at Ormiston Chadwick Academy, Liverpool Road, Widnes, WA8 7HU.

Why are we crowdfunding?

"It's an absolutely brilliant sport.  There's so many intricacies and skills to learn that make it a really challenging competitive arena and it's a really unique experience to be able to play against some incredible sportspeople who'd otherwise be inaccessible - be it due to age, disability, or gender" Alex, Team Captain.

We are crowdfunding to raise money to buy 2 new sports wheelchairs specifically designed for WhRL.  We are a registered charity who are committed to inclusivity and removing barriers to participation.  These core principles mean we do not charge players to play and provide all the necessary equipment.  

Alongside training and matches, we also provide sessions in schools, colleges, and universities, educating people about capability and inclusion.  These are particularly successful with people with special educational needs or disabilities.  We currently do not have enough chairs to fit out everyone in the squad and this also limits the capacity of our outreach sessions.

How we’ll spend the money raised

"Wheelchair Rugby League is great sport to get into and I really enjoy playing with a good bunch of lads" Ian, Player.

If we can raise £5165 from 25 individual donors, Sport England will match this total to reach our target of £10,330.  The chairs will have an expected lifespan of 5-10 years and include spare parts to keep us wheeling when something breaks. Stretch goals will be added as we also desperately need more wheels, tyres, and axle pins for our other chairs.

Community impact

"The team has built my confidence and I have achieved so much educationally because of it.  I am truly thankful to the team for having faith and giving me opportunities" - Leanne, Club Secretary.

Our club has a massive impact for people who have often have difficulty accessing sport through more traditional means.  

• We build teamwork, communication skills, and confidence through the power of rugby.  
• We create a fun environment for people to discover and grow capability.  
• We challenge misconceptions about disability.  
• We create a sense of family and belonging for vulnerable and disadvantaged people.
• We connect with our community, increasing awareness of inclusion.
• We empower people by removing barriers to participation in sport.

How you can play your part

"I loved it from the start.  It gave me a reason to use many of the skills I learnt in my running rugby career, whilst still being involved in a team and community" Kieran, Player.

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!

4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 22nd August 2025 at 12:11pm