N.E.C. NIJMEGEN PLAYER BART VAN ROOIJ TRAINS WITH THE CLUBS E-WHEELCHAIR TEAM

N.E.C. NIJMEGEN PLAYER BART VAN ROOIJ TRAINS WITH THE CLUBS E-WHEELCHAIR TEAM

The 20-year-old Jelle is a fanatical supporter of N.E.C. Nijmegen. Unfortunately, he was forced to stop playing football at the age of 10 because, due to spasm, his legs let him down. Jelle was therefore very enthusiastic when a year ago he got the chance to join the electric football team of N.E.C. Nijmegen. Player Bart van Rooij joins the training and takes a seat in the wheelchair, while Jelle proudly explains the rules of the game to him.

DREAM: DUTCH TEAM ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR FOOTBALL

A year ago, N.E.C. Nijmegen became the first professional football organisation to launch electric wheelchair football. The sport allows people who are wheelchair bound, thanks to modifications to the electric wheelchair, to still do the sport they would love to do. The team, consisting of eight children and young people who are wheelchair-dependent, trains every week.

While Bart van Rooij is being taught the ins and outs of E-Wheelchair football by Jelle, Jelle tells him that these activities have given him more hope and a more positive outlook on life. He hopes that, just like N.E.C. Nijmegen, more E-wheelchair teams will be set up so they can also play matches. His biggest dream is to set up a Dutch E-wheelchair football team.

“For children in wheelchairs, it is incredibly important that these kinds of opportunities are provided so they can still play sports.”

Bart Van Rooij

FOOTBALL GIVES

The Eredivisie is committed to making a positive impact on society every day by working towards a healthier, more inclusive and stronger society. In the Football Gives video series, they reflect on the impact that clubs have in society and what this can mean for an individual.