The Scottish Powerchair Football Association recently hosted our first major international event, the Development Home Nations 2023.

National teams from Scotland, England, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland met at Inverclyde National Performance Center in Largs to compete against each other in a fascinating group format.
The event was a huge success for everyone involved, the world class facility allowed for all athletes and families to stay under one roof. This meant key socializing off the pitch could take place between the four nations.
Matches on the Saturday and Sunday where surrounded by opportunities for players, families, coaches and carers to take part in social events organised by the SPFA. We feel its just as important for the wider powerchair football community to get together as it is for the athletes to play football.

The football on display took the competition to another level with exciting games across Saturday and Sunday of the Easter weekend. Some amazing skills, team goals, individual moments of brilliance and team spirit resulted in a great competitive environment.
Credit to all of the supporters who side by side in the hall made a great atmosphere and got on very well with each other.
Here in Scotland the national team took a huge stride forward when split into two sides in order to gain maximum game time across the weekend. Scotland 1 and 2 would go on to do themselves, coaches and families proud.

There was Scotland debuts for two players, Kieran Steer and Tyler Mclelland both of Lothian Wolves, plus a debut for coach Ryan Alexander. All three had a great competition.
Debuts on the international stage for two Scottish officials, Hugh McGarvey and Morag Pirie who handled the international matches very well.

It was great to catch up with so many familiar faces from each country and make new friends and partnerships over the weekend. As hosts of the event it is one the Scottish Powerchair Football Association are very proud of and indeed an event with lots of learning opportunities.

A huge thank you to everyone who made the weekend a huge success, especially the staff at Inverclyde who not only during the tournament but pre-tournament and post-tournament have been excellent with us and the families.

This event will certainly live long in the memory for us at the SPFA, as we hope it does with everyone involved.