Thames Valley Police Hosts First-Ever Wheelchair Rugby Tournament 

At Thames Valley Police (TVP), we know sport is more than just a game, it’s a way to connect people, build confidence, and celebrate inclusivity. On Saturday 18 January, our force hosted its first-ever community wheelchair rugby 5s tournament at Sulhamstead Training Centre. Organised by our Enable (Disability and Carers) Staff Support Network and Police UK Disability Sports (PUKDS), the event brought together players, supporters, and volunteers for a day of thrilling action and teamwork. 

PUKDS provides a sustainable platform for the UK’s policing community to participate in adaptive, accessible, and fully inclusive sports. It is open to all serving and retired police officers, staff, and volunteers from all areas of UK policing. 

Four teams took part in the tournament: Taunton Gladiators, Crawley Jets, Bournemouth Lions, and the PUKDS team. The day featured six group games, followed by a third-place play-off and a thrilling final match. 

Inspector Tom Dorman, a member of the PUKDS team, took part in his first wheelchair rugby experience during the tournament. He shared:

“Having never played wheelchair rugby before, I had the best day representing PUKDS. Everyone was so friendly and supportive, especially since I had no idea what I was doing! I’d definitely recommend joining and trying new sports, the PUKDS community is so welcoming and a great way to get active.” 

Fresh off the court, Tom added:

“It was really good… cathartic, really enjoyable, tiring, but lots of fun. I’m definitely going to do it again! It was a bit like solo bumper cars where you can just ram into each other!” 

During the lunch break, spectators, police cadets, and special constables joined a taster session, getting the chance to try wheelchair rugby themselves. The session was filled with laughter and excitement as participants quickly realised just how challenging the sport can be. Many commented on how physically demanding it was to manoeuvre the chairs while keeping control of the ball.  

Several cadets left inspired, with one saying:

“It was really amazing to see how much teamwork and strength goes into it. Watching the players up close and trying it myself was great fun.” 

 

Voices from the Day 
Detective Chief Inspector, Cat McKay, Chair of our Enable Staff Support Network, expressed her pride in the event:

“It was amazing to host TVP’s first wheelchair rugby tournament. Gary Callier, the CEO of PUKDS, has done incredible work in building the teams and promoting adaptive sports. The day also opened conversations about careers in policing for some attendees who had never considered it before.  

Events such as these are essential to improve understanding and appreciation of difference and support inclusivity across the force and our communities, so I am proud that we could make it a reality. 

She added:

“The cadets and spectators loved trying the sport themselves. It gave them a real appreciation of how tough and exciting it is. Myself and Vice Chair Neil Byrne also had a go, and it was both exhausting and addictive!” 

ACC Dennis Murray, Chief Officer for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, attended the event and praised the initiative:

“It was a pleasure to support this event. It was great to meet competitors from around the country and watch the matches, which were full-on contact sports. Events like this are crucial in showing that we are inclusive and strive for a workplace where everyone can be their best. It was heart-warming to see officers, staff, and their families cheering our people on. A big thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible.”  

PCC Matthew Barber also attended, adding:

“It was my first experience of wheelchair rugby, and it was great to see so many people getting involved and to have the opportunity to try it out for myself. A big thanks to everyone involved in organising the event which provides support for current and retired officers and staff” 

 

The wheelchair rugby tournament was more than just a game—it was a celebration of inclusion, teamwork, and community. By hosting this event, TVP, Enable and PUKDS showed how adaptive sports can bring people together, change views, and create opportunities for everyone. 

There are already plans for more events, and this is just the start of promoting accessible sports in policing and beyond. If you want to get involved, no matter your ability, visit Police UK Disability Sports. Let’s continue to break barriers and prove that sport is for everyone.  

To learn more about the benefits of working at Thames Valley Police, visit our Supporting You page.