DUNDEE UNITED DYNAMOS LAUNCHED!

Dundee United Para-Football Club – operated by our multi award-winning Community Trust - and Tayside Dynamos Powerchair Football Club are delighted to announce a new community partnership which aims to expand the local para-football provision by creating an all-new beginners' powerchair football session in Dundee under the name Dundee United Dynamos. 

As one of Scotland’s most successful powerchair football clubs, Tayside Dynamos hope the partnership will provide an entry point into the sport for anyone who currently uses a powerchair in Tayside and Fife. 

Tayside Dynamos Chairperson, Garry Johnstone said, “As a club we are delighted to be entering another exciting chapter of our development and to do so in partnership with Dundee United Community Trust is equally exciting. We are keen to provide fun sessions for anyone, of any age, who uses a powerchair, regardless of disability. Powerchair football is the only team sport currently played by powerchair users and as a club we’ve witnessed first-hand the benefits that the game has brought to our current crop of players. We now want to extend those benefits to more individuals in the Tayside area. We hope this partnership will provide an entry point into para-football for powerchair users who previously thought football was perhaps beyond their reach and would encourage anyone regardless of their disability to come along and give the game a try.” 

Dundee Utd Para-Football Club (DUPFC) already have a proven track record in disability sport and already deliver football coaching provision for children and adults with disabilities in the Dundee area. DUPFC currently deliver sessions in amputee football, mental health and wellbeing and weekly sessions for children with a physical disability. 

Jamie Kirk, Head of Operations for the Community Trust said:, “I’m absolutely thrilled to commit to working in partnership with Tayside Dynamos. This will allow us to collectively increase opportunities for powerchair users in the local community to get involved in this wonderful sport. Those involved with Tayside Dynamos have done a terrific job over the years of providing real opportunity where it didn’t previously exist and the support the club has given to its members over that time is inspirational. When the chance came up to get involved it was an easy decision. The hope is that the brand and reach of the Community Trust, coupled with the experience of Tayside Dynamos, encourages even more people to take part and I can’t wait to see how this partnership progresses”.

Focusing on football at grassroots level, players will be introduced to the sport at a pace that is right for each individual. Players who wish to progress to a competitive environment within the sport can be given the opportunity to progress into Tayside Dynamos PFC who compete in international and national league as well as cup competitions and have been a constant presence in the Scottish national squad. Alternatively, players may choose to continue to enjoy the sport in a fun, friendly and relaxed environment with Dundee United Dynamos. 

Initial sessions will be free and open to any age, gender or ability and will focus on ‘football for fun’ where players will be able to use their own powerchair, or one of the club chairs if required, to develop the necessary skills for the game of powerchair football. Coaching will be delivered jointly by both organisations to encourage players to become part of a team, promote communication, confidence and powerchair skills, but most importantly have fun and meet new friends whilst learning the fastest growing disability sport. All equipment required to take part in the sport will be provided to players. 

Sessions will start on Saturday 2nd November 2019 from 11am - 1pm at Fintry Primary School in Dundee. 

Anyone interested in taking part, or who would like more information is encouraged to get in contact with Connor Moyes, Para-Sport Development Officer for Dundee United Community Trust, on mobile 07960 036119 or by email on connor.moyes@dundeeunitedct.co.uk