Sport for all is the name of the game for Connor
ALISON RENNIE
A Paisley man with a progressive musclewasting condition has called for greater inclusivity in sport.
Connor Colhoun was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy when he was two.
The very rare condition causes muscles to weaken and waste over time, leading to increasing and severe disability.
But the 24-year-old has never let his condition define him, despite needing permanent use of a wheelchair.
For the last 10 years he’s been a keen Powerchair Football player and currently competes for Clyde PFC.
A talented centre striker, in 2020 Connor won the Top Goal Scorer at the Scottish Powerchair Football Awards.
Now he’s spoken about the difference playing sport has made to him.
Connor said: “I started playing Powerchair Football in what was one of the first sessions in Scotland. It’s become such a huge part of my life and I wish more people knew about it.
“I’ve worked my way up and now play for a Premiership team, which is great. I experience fatigue and sore muscles on a daily basis, but I try to stay positive and Powerchair Football is a really important part of that.” Powerchair Football is unique in that it allows people of all ages, disabilities and genders to play together. It’s the only active team participation sport for people who use electric wheelchairs.
The four-a-side version of football is played indoors on a basketball court or similar surface.
Connor met his fiancée Zoe while playing the game. In the past they played for the same team and one of his proudest moments was when was they both scored during a match.
Connor added: “I get so much freedom playing Powerchair Football. Sport should be for everyone, no matter your ability.
“I really do believe that sports should be made more inclusive which is why it’s so great that Muscular Dystrophy UK sponsors the Premiership and Championship leagues.”
Currently there are 10 affiliated Powerchair Football teams within six clubs across Scotland, with around 70 players training on a weekly basis.
The SPFA currently oversees five competitions, including the Muscular Dystrophy UK National Premiership and Championship Leagues, Development League and cup competitions which include the PowerSoccerShop Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup.
Muscular Dystrophy UK sponsors the Premiership and Championship leagues in Scotland
Robert Burley, Director of Care, Communications and Support at Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: “We’re really proud to sponsor the Premiership and Championship Powerchair Football leagues in Scotland.
“Muscular Dystrophy UK feels passionately that all disabled people have the right to play and enjoy sport in an accessible way.
“We know that inclusivity goes a long way, and stories like Connor’s reiterate how beneficial Powerchair Football can be.”