European football's governing body has set up a partnership with the EFPA with the aim of fostering the use of football as a tool for broadening the inclusion of players of all abilities, in addition to marginalised or excluded groups.

Dubes believes the support of UEFA has been crucial in developing the game, revealing that the EFPA is aiming to grow its membership from 14 nations at present up to 25 in the next few years.

"There is great quality in our contacts with UEFA," said Dubes.

"The support is decisive; it gives us credibility and recognition.

"We are very grateful, as it is helping us put long-term development plans in place.

"Today, the simple fact that we are associated with UEFA changes everything.

"It is also fabulous recognition for the work that is being done."

Powerchair football originated in France in the late 1970s and was created for people with severe disabilities who use an electric wheelchair.

France were joined by Belgium, Canada, Denmark, England, Japan, Portugal and the United States in officially setting up the Powerchair Football International Federation (FIPFA) in 2006.

Since then the organisation has continued to grow and has organised two FIPFA World Cups in Tokyo in 2007 and Paris in 2011, with the next edition scheduled for Rio de Janeiro in 2015.

FIPFA had hoped the sport would be appearing again in Rio in 2016 after making a bid for inclusion on the Paralympic programme for the 2016 Games, but it lost out to triathlon and canoeing.

Powerchair football made another attempt for inclusion on the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic programme, but missed out once again after the International Paralympic Committee decided to shortlist badminton and Para-taekwondo for possible inclusion with a final decision to be made in November.

However, with national championships running in member countries and the EPFA Power Champions League competition for the best clubs in Europe running since 2008, Dubes is satisfied the sport is continuing its progression.

Republic of Ireland team manager Martin O'Neill at the launch of the inaugural European Powerchair Nations Cup, scheduled for Limerick in July ©Facebook/EPFA



In addition, hosts Ireland will be joined by Belgium, Denmark, England, France and Switzerland at the inaugural EPFA Nations Cup, which will take place in Limerick from July 17 to 20.

"Powerchair football has permitted many young handicapped people to practise a sporting discipline and meet other people," said Dubes.

"When they play powerchair football, they completely forget their disabilities.

"I'm absolutely delighted to see that we have a discipline that is credible.

"The enthusiasm of many countries is opening perspectives for the future.

"We have a lot of people who are working very hard around us, and we're all optimistic that our sport will continue to progress in the future."

UEFA's partnership with the EFPA is part of its Football for All Abilities initiative.

Five other disability sport organisations are involved in the programme - the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association, the European Deaf Sport Organisation, the International Blind Sports Federation, Special Olympics, and the Centre for Access to Football in Europe.

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