Category: Melbourne City

Club Statement: Club Championships 2020

Melbourne City FC Powerchair Team have released the following statement:

We would like to inform our fans and supporters that we have made the hard decision to withdraw from the upcoming Australian Powerchair Football Club Championships to be held in Sydney next week.

The team had been preparing for the competition over the past few months but due to unforeseen circumstances, the team just doesn’t have enough players to attend.

We would like to wish both Julia Svaganovic and Luke David all the very best in the competition as they will be loaned out to South Melbourne Powerchair FC and Western Sydney Wanderers Powerchair Team respectively.

This is in no way, shape or form going to impact our sustainability as a club in the future. We are fully committed to participating in local competitions and at future national competitions. Plans have already begun on recruiting the next generation of City powerchair footballers for the years ahead.

We look forward to continuing our VPPL Pre-Season at the start of February and getting an early start on preparation for the 2021 Club Championships! #

Competition Restructure

After much discussion and debate the Competition Subcommittee has decided upon a new structure for the coming seasons to strengthen VEWSA as a more solid pathway for the future.

We are excited to announce the following:

From November 2019 until April 2020 we will have an active off-season to transition into the new format by August 2020, this will be called the VPPL 2019/20 Pre-Season. This means that over the next six months, matchdays will operate as normal but there will be no formal competition for points. This allows clubs to prepare for the club championships and for new players to learn the skills and rules of the sports before making their way into the Premier League next year.

The format will be:

12.30pm – 1.00pm: Skills development
1.10pm: Div 2 Powerchair Football
2.00pm: Div 1 Powerchair Football
3.00pm: Div 1 Powerchair Hockey

We have made the tough decision to remove Powerchair Rugby from the schedule and this is because of our renewed focus on Powerchair Football and Powerchair Hockey of which both have international pathways. Powerchair Rugby will remain in the Pride Cup and will be played in designated training sessions in preparations for NEWS 2020.

Matchdays:

November 3rd, 10th, 24th
December 1st, 8th, 15th
February 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd
March 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
April 5th

VPPL 2019 Champions!

The 2019 VPPL culminated in a fantastic championship day on 6 October, where before a large and enthusiastic crowd, the Powerchair Football and Powerchair Hockey champions were decided!
 
Powerchair Football | After claiming the minor premiership a couple of weeks earlier, Melbourne City came into the championship as slight favourites. South Melbourne struck first with a goal early in the game to Jules North-Coombes. More chances were created in the second half for both teams as both were desperate for the next goal of the game. The dying stages saw South Melbourne defend intensely as Melbourne City kept applying the pressure. A late equaliser in the final two minutes from Luke David sent the game into extra time. An intense ten-minute period saw both teams find golden opportunities to take the lead but neither team could capitalise. It took until the final minute for the deadlock to be broken as Luke David pounced on an open ball and a loose defence to give his side a goal with 40 seconds to go. From there Melbourne City held on to claim a 2-1 win and the championship. A thrilling finale to what’s been a great season for Melbourne City and South Melbourne.

FT: Melbourne City (2) def. South Melbourne (1) (A.E.T)

Goalscorers:
Melbourne City                South Melbourne
Luke David 1                      Jules North-Coombes 1
Josh Rycken 1

Best & Fairest
Luke David from Melbourne City

VPPL PCF Champions
Melbourne City VPPL Powerchair Football Champions of 2019

Powerchair Hockey | The undefeated Ducks came into the game as overwhelming favourites as they looked to complete the perfect season. But the Hunters weren’t prepared to give up without a fight. A tight defence early from the Hunters made scoring difficult. A breakthrough eventually came through a Luke David goal. The Hunters maintained a strong defence and looked capable of from the counter attack. However, a late first-half penalty gave the Ducks a 2-0 lead at half-time. The play opened up in the second half, the Ducks scoring three quick goals in the first five minutes of the half, with goals to Josh Rycken and Ryan Deayton. A 5-0 deficit appeared to be too much for the Hunters who continued to try and find a way back into the contest. Two sealing goals from Ryan Deayton ensured the championship would be headed to the Ducks. It was a great display of Powerchair Hockey with the Ducks winning 7-2.

FT: Melbourne Ducks (7) def. Melbourne Hunters (2)

Goalscorers:
Melbourne Ducks           Melbourne Hunters
Ryan Deayton 3                Chris Kessaris 2
Luke David 2
Josh Rycken 2

Best & Fairest
Luke David from Melbourne Ducks

Melbourne Ducks vs Melbourne Hunters, October 6 2019

VPPL 2019 Championship Round Details

The VPPL season comes to an end with the Championship Final on October 6

The Victorian Powerchair Premier League (VPPL) Championship Final is gearing up to be an epic match up in Powerchair Football and Powerchair Hockey.

Melbourne City FC Powerchair Team will take on South Melbourne FC Powerchair Team in Powerchair Football. Melbourne City go in as slight favourites after an impressive run but South Melbourne have shown they can match it throughout the season. Most matches have only been settled by a goal difference so the Championship is certainly up for grabs for both teams!

The Powerchair Hockey Championship sees the Melbourne Ducks as heavy favourites. As of now, the Melbourne Ducks are undefeated in 12 matches and are +46 in goal difference against the Melbourne Hunters. Can the Melbourne Hunters turn it around on the big day? 

Date: October 6
Location: Aquahub, 11 Civic Square, Croydon
Entry: Gold Coin Donation

Schedule:
12:00pm – Barbecue
1:15pm – Melbourne City v South Melbourne
2:10pm – Powerchair Football Championship Presentation
2:30pm – Melbourne Ducks v Melbourne Hunters
3:20pm – Powerchair Hockey Championship Presentation

It’s the best time to check out powerchair sports and meet Victoria’s best powerchair athletes. If you know of anyone that might be interested in either participating in powerchair sports or perhaps volunteering, please feel free to invite them along as this is the perfect opportunity to see the sports in action.

Please RSVP either by Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/events/304826090293511/), phone (0424 160 174) or email (luke.david@vewsa.org.au) If you can’t attend, don’t worry, you can catch all the action with our livestream on our Facebook!

MCY Powerchair Football Team Recruiting!

Melbourne City Powerchair Team will be recruiting new players and volunteers for the Senior and Development squads.

Powerchair football is a unique sport that provides opportunities for people with a varying levels of ability to access the game we all love, football.

New players will have the opportunity to learn about the sport, the skills, rules and what it takes to compete at any level of competition. Sessions will take place at the Aquahub on Victorian Powerchair Premier League match days and trainings hosted by Victorian Electric Wheelchair Sports Association (VEWSA).

Powerchair football is fast paced, dynamic and exciting to watch. The unique nature of the powerchair football allows all ages, disabilities and any gender to compete together. Playing powerchair football extends beyond just having fun and competing, it helps build key life skills such as leadership, teamwork and communication. We have excellent athletes already involved who have plenty of experience with mentoring others.

The team hosts social events and competes in interstate competitions throughout the year. Powerchair football is played all around the world, with a world cup held every four years and national competitions being held every year in different states across Australia. The opportunities will continue to grow as powerchair football becomes more recognised and supported.

Being involved in powerchair football isn’t just about the sporting opportunities, it also creates social opportunities for the athletes, their families, friends and our supporters to experience the highs and lows of participating in the world’s most favourite sport.

The first session will take place on July 7. However, the team will be scouting other areas around the state and if there is interest, we are happy to travel out to an area closer to you. The dates listed below are sessions held at Aquahub, Croydon starting at 1pm.

  • July 21
  • July 28
  • August 4
  • August 18
  • August 25
  • September 8
  • September 15
  • September 29
  • October 6

Melbourne City are wanting to take this far and wide, all around Victoria. If you use a powerchair for daily mobility, or know someone who does, get in touch with the team! We need your support to grow our community.

You may not even want to be involved as a player but in another role, these are some ways you can get involved:

  • Player
  • Coaching
  • Refereeing
  • Fundraising
  • Volunteering
  • Partnership/Sponsor

Register your interest by emailing luke.david@vewsa.org.au or by calling Luke on 0424 160 174. 

 

Powerchair Premier League 2019 RD 2 Results

Victorian Powerchair Premier League Round 2

Powerchair Football | Round 2 gave both Melbourne City and South Melbourne a chance to claim the first three points of the season. South Melbourne were strengthened by the return of Jules North-Coombes. Both teams had golden opportunities in the first half to put a goal on the board but couldn’t get it past the strong defences of either side. No team dominated possession as an even first half concluded with the scores locked at nil all at the break. Early into the second half saw a three-quarter sideline shot from Luke David make it past a disorganised South Melbourne defence as the ball sailed through for the opening goal. A bit of controversy arose as the goal was disallowed originally before given the all clear moments later. Down a goal, South Melbourne were desperate to gain one back and had plenty of chances as they came close on several occasions. Melbourne City were able to restore some control and were able to maintain it through the final minutes and held on to take the first victory of the season with a 1-0 win. They will look to make it consecutive wins against a desperate South Melbourne aiming to keep in touch in round 3 on June 16th.

FT: Melbourne City (1) def. South Melbourne (0)

Goal scorers
Melbourne City – L.David (1)

Powerchair Hockey | The second round saw the return of the Melbourne Ducks and the Melbourne Hunters. The game started off in a similar fashion to the first round as both teams struggled to jump out of the gate. But also similarly to the first round, it was the Ducks who opened up their account with consecutive goals to Luke David with yet again the Ducks gained a handy lead at the break. It was much the same in the second half with the score blowing out to a 5-0 lead for the Ducks. Despite the score line, Hunters keeper James North-Coombes could hold his head up high as he made important saves to keep the score line modest. Likewise, the defence of the Ducks, led by Julia Svaganovic and Daniel Maugeri looked destined for a clean sheet before two late goals from the Hunters put respect back onto the scoreboard. But it was another case of the Hunters being outclassed by the Ducks who ran out with a 6-2 win. The Hunters will look to improve and the Ducks will be keen to keep their winning ways as the season continues on June 16th.

FT: Ducks (6) def. Hunters (2)

Goal scorers
Ducks – L.David (6)
Hunters – S.Mott (2)

Powerchair Premier League 2019 RD 1 Results

Powerchair Premier League Round 1 saw Melbourne City PFC take on South Melbourne PFC in Powerchair Football and two new Powerchair Hockey teams, Melbourne Ducks battle Melbourne Hunters!
 
⚽️ #PowerchairFootball | The first match of the season was a hard-fought, high intensity battle as Melbourne City and South Melbourne put their pre-season training and new tactics to the test. It was an even start to the game as the ball went from one end to the other as both teams tried to get a hold on the contest. South Melbourne made the most of an open goal with a half way shot from the sideline from Gavin Thorneycroft giving them the lead on his South Melbourne debut. Melbourne City then dominated the play for the remainder of the first half and were rewarded with a Luke David goal in the dying stages, assisted by Josh Rycken. The second half saw Melbourne City control most of the possession and play as they assaulted the goal line and came close to scoring. The defence of South Melbourne had other ideas as Chirs Kessaris and Shaun Mott held strong to keep City out. It ended in a 1-1 draw with both teams taking a lot out of the game and will prepare for the next round on May 26th.
 
FT: Melbourne City (1) def. South Melbourne (1)
 
📋 Goal scorers
Melbourne City – L. David (1)
South Melbourne- G. Thorneycroft (1)

Powerchair Football | Melbourne City vs South Melbourne
Powerchair Football | Melbourne City vs South Melbourne

 
🏒 #PowerchairHockey | An exciting time as two new teams were introduced to Powerchair Hockey. The Melbourne Ducks and the Melbourne Hunters had plenty to prove in the first game of the season. The game started off in a tight contest as both teams had early chances but the Hunters keeper James North-Coombes and Ducks keeper Julia Svaganovic were able to keep the ball out. The deadlock was broken with consecutive goals to Luke David which gave the Ducks the early lead. A Shaun Mott goal gave the Hunters a chance to get back into the game. After a fast first half the Ducks took a 3-1 lead into half time. Any chance of a Hunters comeback was just about shattered in the early stages of the second half as quick goals to the Ducks extended the lead. The scoreboard kept ticking over for the Ducks as they made it 7-1 half way through the second half. The game took a bit of a turn as the Hunters scored 3 consecutive goals including an own goal as they attempted to get back into the game. It was however too big of a mountain to climb as Luke David scored his ninth goal of the game in the final minute as the Ducks registered an impressive 9-4 win. The Hunters will look to take a bit of momentum built from the latter part of the game into Round 2 on May 26th.
 
FT: Ducks (9) def. Hunters (4)
 
📋 Goal scorers
Ducks – L. David (9)
Hunters – S. Mott (3)

Powerchair Hockey | Ducks vs Hunters
Powerchair Hockey | Ducks vs Hunters

 
Next Round: May 26th

Melbourne City Powerchair Youth Program

Melbourne City Powerchair Team are excited to announce that they will be establishing a youth program for players under the age of 18 this season.

The youth program will enhance pathways for new players to learn the rules of Powerchair Football and develop the neccessary skills before making their way into the Premier League.

The program will start on the launch of the Premier League season on May 19. You can find out more about the Powerchair Premier League here: http://vewsa.org.au/2019/02/11/2019-victorian-powerchair-premier-league-fixtures-league-structure/

To join or find out more information, contact Luke David:
Phone: 0424 160 174
Email: luke.david@vewsa.org.au

Melbourne City Youth Program
Melbourne City Youth Program

2019 Victorian Powerchair Premier League Fixtures & League Structure

Victorian Powerchair Premier League (VPPL), formerly called Winter Season, is a club-based competition for people with a physical disability. The Premier League has two different sports, Powerchair Football/Soccer and Powerchair Hockey.

The 2019 Victorian Powerchair Premier League Fixtures & League Structure have been released below. An enhanced player pathway for juniors and new senior league structure are some of the exciting changes being made to the competition.

The new Junior/Development program will run alongside the Premier League competition and will give the clubs an opportunity to develop new players for selection in the Premier League.

Competition Structure

The season will begin in May and conclude with the championship final in October. There will be 13 rounds consisting of one match of each sport. The teams on top of the league table will be deemed ‘Premiers’. The league is open to all ages, genders and disabilities. All league matches will be played at the Aquahub in Croydon on Sundays with the current format:

  • Each sport will have two 20-minute halves.
  • There is a 10km/h speed-limit for Powerchair Football and a 15km/h speed limit in Powerchair Hockey.
  • A team must have a minimum number of 4 players, no more than 8.
  • Two transfer markets (Prior to Round 1 and at Round 6) will give teams the opportunity to draft, trade or loan players.
  • Training sessions will be held during the season.
  • Junior/Development program will run alongside the Premier League competition.
  • Powerchair Hockey clubs can compete at the Club Championships in November while Powerchair Football clubs can compete in January.

Sports

Powerchair Football

Powerchair Football is played with two teams of four players. Players use their powerchair to push and ‘spin-kick’ a 330mm Football. Powerchair Football is a very tactical sport that requires skill, team work and communication.

Melbourne City Powerchair Team was established in 2015 after Luke David and Craig Kilby approached the Melbourne City Football Club. The team was the first Powerchair Football team in Victoria. They finished in 9th position at the recent Australian Club Championships.

South Melbourne Powerchair FC was founded in 2018. Craig Kilby was appointed as the President of the Club, Jules North-Coombes as the inaugural Captain and Rebecca Gulle the Coach. They were Premiers in the 2018 State League and recently finished 11th in the Australian Club Championships.

Powerchair Hockey

Powerchair Hockey is broadly based on Ice Hockey/Floorball. A barrier surrounds the court which allows players to rebound the ball. It is a fast-paced, tactical game and an excellent spectator sport.

Melbourne Ducks was established in 2019 by Luke David and will replace the Penguins in this year’s competition. The club is largely based in the northern suburbs of Melbourne but are looking to expand across Victoria.

Melbourne Hunters was established just after the Ducks. They will replace the Rangers team from previous years and have a team of players all around the state.

Fixture (Venue, Times, Dates)

Venue:

Aquahub, 11 Civic Square, Croydon

Times:

1pm: Training
2pm: Powerchair Football
3pm: Powerchair Hockey

Dates

  • ROUND 1 – 19 May 2019
  • ROUND 2 – 26 May 2019
  • TRAINING – 2 June 2019
  • ROUND 3 – 16 June 2019
  • ROUND 4 – 23 June 2019
  • TRAINING – 30 June 2019
  • ROUND 5 – 7 July 2019
  • ROUND 6 – 14 July 2019
  • TRAINING – 21 July 2019
  • ROUND 7 – 28 July 2019
  • ROUND 8 – 4 August 2019
  • TRAINING – 11 August 2019
  • ROUND 9 – 18 August 2019
  • ROUND 10 – 25 August 2019
  • ROUND 11 – 8 September 2019
  • ROUND 12 – 15 September 2019
  • TRAINING – 22 September 2019
  • ROUND 13 – 29 September 2019
  • CHAMPIONSHIP – 6 October 2019

How can I join or express interest?

Whether you’re an interested player, coach, referee or volunteer, please get in contact with us through our EOI form linked below!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VEWSAPremierLeague2019 

If you require any further information or assistance regarding the above, please contact our Competitions Coordinator, Shaun Mott at shaun.mott@vewsa.org.au

Powerchair Premier League To Be Launched in Victoria!

What is Victorian Powerchair Sports Premier League?

Victorian Powerchair Premier League (VPPL), formerly called Winter Season, is a club-based competition for people with a physical disability.

South Melbourne Powerchair Football Team

The Premier League has two different sports, Powerchair Football/Soccer and Powerchair Hockey. The league is open to all ages, genders and disabilities.

All league matches will be played at the Aquahub in Croydon on Sundays with the current format:

1pm: Powerchair Football

2pm: Powerchair Hockey

Prior to the the league commencing in May 2019, there will be opportunities to learn about the rules and try the two sports.

History of Victorian Powerchair Sports Premier League

The first Winter Season was held in 2015 when VEWSA recognised the importance of establishing a competition for Powerchair Football in Victoria. Powerchair Football was introduced in Australia in 2011 when international players from the United States, France and Japan held a workshop in Sydney. Between 2011 and 2015, VEWSA held regular training sessions for a Victorian representative team to prepare for the Australian Powerchair Football Nationals. The competition featured Melbourne City and Melbourne Fury in Powerchair Football from 2015 – 2017. In 2018, South Melbourne FC established its own Powerchair Football Team which replaced Melbourne Fury. Powerchair Hockey was introduced in the 2017 Winter Season with Penguins and the Rangers as the two teams.

Premiers:

2015: Melbourne City

2016: Melbourne City

2017: Melbourne City, Penguins

2018: South Melbourne, Rangers

Champions:

2018: Melbourne City, Penguins

Melbourne City Powerchair Team (September 2018)

What’s the format of the competition?

The season will begin in May and conclude with the Championship Final in October. There will be 13 rounds consisting of one match of each sport. The teams on top of the league table will be deemed ‘Premiers’.

  • Each sport will have two 20-minute halves.
  • Different clubs for each of the sports.
  • There is a 10km/h speed-limit for Powerchair Football and a 15km/h speed limit in Powerchair Hockey.
  • A team must have a minimum number of 4 players, no more than 8.
  • One transfer market (Prior to Round 1) will give teams the opportunity to draft, trade or loan players.
  • Training sessions will be held during the season.
  • Powerchair Football clubs can compete at the Club Championships in January.

What are the sports played?

There are two sports played during the Premier League.

A metal guard is mounted onto a player’s powerchair which is then used to push and ‘spin-kick’ a 330mm Football.

Powerchair Football is a very tactical sport that requires skill, team work and communication. The sport is strictly non-contact and features at two National competitions as well as Internationally with a World Cup held every four years.

Powerchair Hockey is broadly based on Ice Hockey/Floorball. A barrier surrounds the court which allows players to rebound the ball. It is a competitive, high intensity sport. It is a fast-paced, tactical game and thus an excellent spectator’s sport! Powerchair Hockey is relatively new in Victoria but with two Victorian in the current Australian Team, the sport is bound to grow! The sport is played Internationally with a world championship held every four years.

Who can play?

Anyone in a powerchair can play in the competition. The Premier League is a mixed competition open to all ages and abilities.

What equipment is needed?

Those who are interested in trying out the sports can attend any round to have a look at the sports in action. If a player decides to join, a metal guard is required for Powerchair Football. VEWSA can loan guards out but we will encourage players to make their own guards which best suits their powerchair. We can also point you in the right direction on where to get some made up!

In Powerchair Hockey, a player can either use a light-weight hockey stick or mount a t-stick onto their footplate.

How can I join or express interest?

Whether you’re an interested player, coach, referee or volunteer, please get in contact with us through our EOI form linked below!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VEWSAPremierLeague2019 

For more information about the league, the sports, and to discuss your suitability please contact VEWSA’s President, Luke David on 0424 160 174 or luke.david@vewsa.org.au

What’s next? What’s after the Premier League?

A squad of up to 8 may be selected from the Premier League to represent Victoria at either the Australian Powerchair Football Nationals or Australian Powerchair Hockey Nationals held interstate. Following the Nationals, VEWSA runs the Victorian Powerchair Sports League (VPSL) which includes both sports again but with Powerchair Rugby as well. This league has a set team for all three sports. During the VPSL, VEWSA has the opportunity to send Powerchair Football clubs to compete at the Club Championships in January.

How else can I help out?

VEWSA is unable to adequately promote the sports to the public, beyond our Facebook page and website. Despite VEWSA’s important role in providing sporting and recreational opportunities for players with a disability, and our participation in national events, we receive little official or financial support.

Our mission is to grow and take our sports all over Victoria, to be as inclusive and accessible as possible. VEWSA is seeking any support, whether it be by donating, volunteering, sponsorship or promoting. Our lack of funding and resources has a direct impact on our capacity to run programs and provide opportunities to our members. Support received could be used for much needed sports equipment, modifications to wheelchair guards, starting more leagues around the state and/or transport players to games/events. We believe our sports have a positive impact on people with and without a disability. Get in contact with us if you’re looking to volunteer, sponsor, donate or promote our sports!

Calendar of Events (Subject to change)

Rounds
Round 1 – 19th May
Round 2 – 26th May
Round 3 – 16th June
Round 4 – 23rd June
Round 5 – 7th July
Round 6 – 14th July
Round 7 – 28th July
Round 8 – 4th August
Round 9 – 18th August
Round 10 – 25th August
Round 11 – 8th September
Round 12 – 15th September
Round 13 – 29th September
Championship Final – 6th October

Training
Training #1 – 2nd June
Training #2 – 30th June
Training #3 – 21st July
Training #4 – 11th August
Training #5 – 22nd September