Rotherham United Community Trust has officially launched 50K Power Play, an ambitious new fundraising campaign aiming to raise £50,000 to secure the future of its Powerchair Football programme and put Rotherham firmly on the map for disability football.

The campaign will support the Trust’s Powerchair Football team, which is currently the only Powerchair Football provision in South Yorkshire, providing inclusive competitive opportunities for players with physical disabilities. Since its formation, the team has gone from strength to strength, creating a safe, empowering environment where participants can play, compete, and belong.

However, the programme now faces a significant challenge.

Much of the specialist powerchair equipment currently in use is damaged, outdated, or no longer fit for purpose, with some chairs completely unusable. Without urgent improvement, the growth and long-term sustainability of the team is at risk.

The 50K Power Play campaign aims to change that.

By raising £50,000, Rotherham United Community Trust hopes to invest in new, modern Powerchairs that meet competition standards, improve player safety, and unlock new opportunities for participants. With the right equipment, players can train more effectively, compete at a higher level, and take meaningful steps along recognised Powerchair Football pathways.

Crucially, new chairs would open doors beyond weekly sessions.

They would give players the chance to represent Rotherham on regional and national stages, and for some, potentially progress to international competition and one day represent Team GB as Paralympians.

This campaign is about more than equipment,” Dylan Hadley, Head of Communities and Inclusion at Rotherham United Community Trust said. “It’s about ambition, opportunity, and ensuring that disability is never a barrier to sporting excellence. We want to give our players the same chance to dream big as anyone else.”

The Trust is now calling on individuals, community groups, and businesses to get involved and help power the campaign forward.

How you can support the 50K Power Play

There are many ways to take part and make a difference:

• Businesses can sponsor the campaign, make a donation, or take on a corporate fundraising challenge
• Individuals can fundraise by running events, setting personal challenges, or donating online
• Taking on a challenge in 2026? Do it on behalf of the 50K Power Play
• The Trust currently has charity places available for the Sheffield Half Marathon, offering runners the chance to raise funds while supporting inclusive sport
• Supporters can also help by sharing the campaign on social media and spreading the word

Every donation, challenge, and shared post helps move the campaign closer to its £50,000 target, and closer to transforming opportunities for Powerchair Footballers across South Yorkshire.

To get involved, discuss sponsorship, fundraising ideas, or to donate, email marketing@ruct.co.uk.