Sheffield Steelers Wheelchair Basketball Club has secured a spot at the IWBF Eurocup finals in Spain marking their return to the European Basketball scene for the first time since the Covid pandemic.
Founded in 1987 by ex-patients from the Spinal Injuries Unit at Lodgemoor, a division of the NHS Sheffield Teaching Hospital Trust, the club has become a crucial part of the rehabilitation required to recover from life-changing injuries.
Unlike players in other European leagues who receive financial support from sponsorships, the Steelers rely on external sources of income, including charitable donations, as demonstrated by their fundraising efforts to participate in their qualifying game in Germany.
Chairman, Maurice Hammerton, said: “It’s very difficult in Sheffield with two football teams that dominate publicity, so it’s hard to spread the word about our club.”
Due to the financial challenges faced by its members, the club was reluctant to increase fees further this year, as doing so would create an additional obstacle for individuals with disabilities playing basketball.
All players of the club took part in a sponsored 10km on the SkiErg machine at Sheffield Northern General, reaching a total distance of over 200km.
He added: “The club has been a huge part of my life for the past 50 years.
“It’s really good for the community and embracing those with a competitive nature with the added benefits of promoting physical and mental health.”
The British squad became packed with Steelers and went on to win medals at the European Championships, World Championships and took the silver medal at the Paralympics in Atlanta.
Josh Makinson, 19, said: “I have kept up to date with the club on social media for years; it’s been amazing to see all of their success and its great how involved women get in a male dominated sport.”
The club welcomes players of all skill levels, from amateur to world-class.
Julie Tuffin, Activities Coordinator at the Spinal Injuries Unit in Sheffield said: “The players just bring joy to us all and our patient’s often watch the games in awe of what people can achieve after life-changing injuries.
“Some of the people at the club will come and speak to us about their journey which has a great impact on the centre, it is truly inspirational to both staff and patients.”
She added that the progress players of the club have made in a short space of time is ‘motivational’ making staff proud every day.
Many former players have established their own teams in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Wolverhampton.
Luke Holland, a player for the Premier Division team, said: “The club has given me my independence; you’re with a group of people who understand the challenges we go through.
“I specifically went to the University of Sheffield to be closer to the club and my advice to anyone thinking about starting would be just do it, you won’t regret it.”
As the April finals approach, the team remains confident as they are the only unbeaten team in the English league so far.
Their final league game against rivals Manchester, who will be seeking revenge after the Steelers beat them in the Eurocup which will take place on March 24th.
He added: “We are all really looking forward to the Eurocup finals in April.
“We hope to give a good account of ourselves there; the opportunities this sport has opened up for us are fantastic.”
The Steelers are the only British amateur team heading to the Euro Cup finals after finishing third in their qualifying tournament.
Those who wish to keep up to date with the team’s journey can do so here.
