A South Norfolk wheelchair rugby club continues to go from strength to strength as it looks forward to its first competitive fixture.
Established in 2016 by Darren Wiles, Norfolk Knights is the first and only wheelchair rugby club in Norfolk.
Also known as Murderball, wheelchair rugby is an indoor team sport, which includes rules borrowed from wheelchair basket ball, ice hockey and rugby union.
Before the club was set up players were forced to travel to Woodbridge in Suffolk to practice.
But within just two years of being formed the club has won the support of local able-bodied rugby clubs, South Norfolk Council in the form of a £6000 grant and gained sponsorship from a local wealth management company.
All of which has enabled the club to hold weekly practice sessions in Wymondham Leisure Centre and prepare for their first competitive match against the Woodbridge Warriors on Saturday, March 10.
Club secretary James Herrieven said that winning the support of local able bodied clubs such as Diss Rugby Club, Norwich Union Rugby Club and Wymondham Rugby club who provide financial support towards venue hire costs had been a massive boost to the club.
'I think it's really quite reassuring to think that there is that support out there.
'Our biggest hurdle is raising awareness and ensuring that we are able to continue to offer these facilities and opportunities to everyone.'
Mr Herrieven added that making the sport as accessible as possible to new players was one of the most important goals for the club, saying that it has been one of the main requirements when looking for a venue in which to practice.
'A big thing for us is doing what we can to remove barriers to the sport.
'It's so fulfilling to see how players change and its as a result of coming to the club and the benefits of trying it.
'It helps people engage socially and do something which they feel is open to them.'
Norfolk Knights will play the Woodbridge Warriors on Saturday, March 10, the match will take place in Wymondham Leisure Centre starting at 11am.
For more information on the club and to join visit: www.norfolk-knights-wheelchair-rugby.co.uk
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