Leeds PFC Clinch FA Disability Cup on Debut
While global football fans have focused on the World Cup in North America, a remarkable goal by Leeds Powerchair Football Club (PFC) has captured worldwide attention, amassing nearly 40 million views to date. The goal, scored during the FA Disability Cup final against Teesside PFC, secured Leeds PFC the trophy in their first attempt.
The goal featured an extraordinary assist by Leeds player Dylan Kelsall, who executed a 360-degree turn and pass, enabling 22-year-old attacker Dan Rigby to nudge the ball off his powerchair and score. This moment has been widely praised, with one newspaper describing it as "Maradona-like."
"I've enjoyed reading the names. Some have said Maradona. My personal favourite was Andreas Iniesta. It's great, why not?"Kelsall remarked with a smile.
Kelsall, a member of England's senior Powerchair Football team, expressed amazement at the clip's viral success.
"The clip has gone absolutely crazy. Twenty three million views on Facebook, 10 million on X and over 1.6 million on Instagram last time I checked,"he said, still stunned by the numbers.
Historic Final Broadcast and Impact
The final was held at St George's Park and marked the culmination of a treble-winning season for Leeds PFC. It was also the only live televised match of their season, an opportunity the players hope to leverage for greater exposure.
"In all seriousness, it raises the platform of the sport,"Kelsall stated.
"It's the only game of the season which is on live TV. That then comes with the perks of potentially being on social media.
I'm quite relieved with how the clip's gone viral, because people have seen it as a positive.
There are a few clips that have gone viral before where it's never seen as positive.
Often it gets referred to as Rocket League, that's usually the standard response."
'Disability Becomes Irrelevant' in Powerchair Football
Powerchair Football is among the UK's fastest growing disability sports, noted for its inclusivity, even for individuals with severe physical disabilities. Matches last 40 minutes, featuring four players per team using a larger-than-average ball. Unlike able-bodied football, there are no offsides; instead, a two-versus-one rule prohibits two players of the same team from being within 9ft (3m) of an opposing player.
Kelsall emphasized the sport's unique inclusivity.
"Powerchair Football is the only sport where those with severe disabilities can play, and once you're on the court your disability becomes irrelevant.
People see what you can do, rather than what you can't do."
Co-coach Russ Rigby, father of goal scorer Dan Rigby, concurred.
"Dan has got spasticity down his left-hand side. We have people who have degenerative diseases who are getting weaker but can adapt once they start playing,"he explained.
"You even have people playing Powerchair Football by just moving their chin. It's a truly inclusive sport."
Growing Exposure and Challenges
Rigby described the recent final as the most significant exposure the sport has ever received. Although Powerchair Football matches are streamed on YouTube, he aims to expand the sport's reach further.
"It's getting it into people's front rooms. We want to be playing entertaining football, want to be getting on there and smashing goals in,"he said.
"When people see that, they will want to tune in."
Despite their success, Rigby acknowledged the physical and financial challenges the team faces. Leeds PFC trains at a local school in Leeds, but securing court time can be difficult, and the team sometimes travels significant distances for matches.
"We've done a few games in Burton-on-Trent and travelled to a game in Birmingham which was a six-hour round-trip for an hour's worth of football, just days before the FA Cup final,"Rigby said.
"When you've got things affecting fuel prices, it really hits."
The cost of powerchairs used in matches ranges from £9,000 to over £13,000, presenting a financial barrier for many players.
Kelsall highlighted the importance of charitable funding for equipment.
"It's not as simple as five-a-side where you just buy a pair of football boots. You've got to find £9,000 for a wheelchair,"he explained.
Looking Ahead
Following their viral success, Kelsall and teammate Ethan Fisher, 22, are preparing to represent England at the Powerchair Football World Cup later this year in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Meanwhile, Leeds PFC players have yet to celebrate their recent achievements and the unexpected global recognition.
"I wanted to get on for a cup of tea and a biscuit [after the final],"Rigby shared.
"I think we'll plan something for a few weeks' time, but now we're just catching our breath."
Get in Touch
Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on , and catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
