By Liam Murphy

In Glasgow, there is next to no representation when it comes to Wheelchair Rugby, the Caledonian Crushers, in fact, remain the only team representing the country.

Participation is at its lowest since COVID-19 in disabled sports, and representation for these particular activities continues to be a barrier, but it doesn’t stop the Caledonian Crushers from wanting to play the sport they love.

Prices of the equipment have always been an issue and also being able to hire out the gyms every week is also a potential stumbling block. Chris Dempster, someone who has been playing for over 10 years, said that the wheelchairs used can cost “crazy amounts” and the whole community surrounding the sport would benefit from more funding.

Chris went on to say why he enjoys it so much, not just playing per se, but the way the team supports one another. He said: “On the court and off the court, there is a supportive feel, people may come here as they may have been referred to by the spinal unit, they’re comparatively new to using wheelchairs and we do all help out.”

Jen Lang, who has been playing Wheelchair Rugby for over 7 years now, discussed why she loves the sport so much and what could be next for the team. she also would like to see the team strive to be better and hopefully reach the top division.

She said: ” We’d like to continue to keep on improving, were in the 2nd division at the moment so of course we want to get to the 1st division but it’s difficult as we are an ever-evolving team.

“The team is amazing, before I started playing, I didn’t really have many friends, but since I joined it’s been a whole new world for me, so I think it’s down to that team spirit and having people around me that understand me in a different way.”

When the players were asked what their favourite thing was about Wheelchair Rugby, they talked about the togetherness and the community, but one similar answer was simple, they just love to smash into people when they are playing.