MEET THE PLAYERS

Bios: Text

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HANIF

North East Young Male Achiever 2019

The North East Disability Sports Awards were set to take part in April – a celebration of the marvelous achievements and contributions that athletes, coaches, clubs and schools have made to disability sports across the region. The event was to take place at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium in Yarm on April 2. Due to Covid19 the event was cancelled and winners were emailed confirmation of their win.

Our very own Hanif won the Young Male Achiever Award.

Bios: About

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Hanif is 14 and has played Powerchair Football for Middlesbrough since he was five year old.

During that time Hanif has worked his way through the Middlesbrough PFC Pathway (Blues team, Discovery team, Reserves team & First team), currently playing on the first team as well as being part of the FA's Under 18 England Pathway.

I asked Hanif how it felt to win the Young Male Achiever Award, he said;

"When I received the news I was elated. I was nominated a few years ago, however, I wasn't the chosen winner. To be nominated again and then go on to win felt amazing. Winning also lifted my mood as being in lockdown was boring and depressing".

Since the emergence of Covid19, Powerchair Football activity has been halted.

Hanif said;

"Seven months without Powerchair Football has been difficult. I look forward to training sessions and heading to Nottingham to play in the league. It's been hard not having that escape".

During shielding Hanif has been doing school work as well as playing with his friends online.

As a club we've been keeping connected as best as possible.

He said;

"On Thursdays we have a catch up on Google Meet. We've also taken part in some club activities; such as the Baked Potato song and the Toilet Roll challenge".

Outside of Powerchair Football Hanif enjoys watching the football and cricket. He also enjoys playing Xbox.

The future of Powerchair Football, despite the current issues with Covid19, is a bright one.

I asked Hanif where he sees himself in five years time, he said;

"In five years time I see myself as a more developed player and hopefully seeing my team back in the Premiership division challenging for a top 7 position".

There's currently a pathway back to training and safe play being discussed. Currently there's no indication of when training or league matches will commence.