The 2026 FIPFA Powerchair Football World Cup tournament saw ten nations travel to Buenos Aires, bringing many of the world’s leading Powerchair Football players together for seven days of international competition. Following an intense semi-final on Thursday 22 October against tournament hosts Argentina, the England team secured a memorable victory and booked their place in the final.
The final against France was tense with England taking the lead after just 36 minutes. However, minutes away from victory, France was awarded a late penalty, which they converted four minutes before the final whistle.
The England team is made up of players from around the country who have the highest level of skill and expertise in Powerchair Football. Players are chosen through a rigorous selection process that assesses their technical abilities, tactical awareness, and overall commitment to the sport.
Dan was first selected to play for England back in May 2023 for the Home Nation’s Tournament in Dublin. He then made the England squad that travelled to Sydney in October 2023 to compete in the World Cup - where the team won the silver medal after narrowly losing the final to France on penalties.
Starring in another World Cup is a proud achievement for Dan, his family and the Kimbolton School community, as he represents his country at the highest level of global Powerchair Football. Dan was diagnosed with Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (UCMD) at just two years old. The condition causes muscle weakness, joint contractures, and joint laxity and led to Dan being in a wheelchair since the age of eight years old.
Speaking about his World Cup success, Dan said: “It was an absolute honour to have the opportunity to represent my country at another World Cup. It was an incredible week of competition that I will never forget. Despite being disappointed with how the tournament ended, I’m proud that we were able to show the world our style of football and hopefully inspire many more young disabled people back home.”
Will Chuter, Headteacher at Kimbolton School, said: “We are incredibly proud of Dan and all that he has achieved. To represent England at a World Cup, twice, and reach the final on both occasions is an outstanding accomplishment. Dan’s success is a wonderful source of inspiration for our school community, and we wish him and the team every success for the future.”
Powerchair Football is a uniquely inclusive sport that provides opportunities for people with a high level of impairment to access the game of football. The sport is characterised by its fast-paced, dynamic nature, which offers spectators an exhilarating experience. Players use specially designed powered wheelchairs, equipped with bumpers, in order to manoeuvre and kick an oversized football.
For more information about Kimbolton School, please visit: www.kimboltonschool.com
