GezondRijk Nijmegen and IT4Kids extend partnership for power wheelchair football
GezondRijk Nijmegen and IT4Kids have renewed their successful partnership. IT4Kids will continue as the official project partner for power wheelchair football during the 2025–2026 football season, giving children from the age of 10 with physical challenges the opportunity to play football, develop themselves, and work toward a healthier, more active future.
IT4Kids is proud to support the power wheelchair football project run by GezondRijk Nijmegen. This unique initiative enables children to actively participate in a dynamic, competitive, and inclusive sport through the use of specially adapted electric wheelchairs.
“Every child deserves the chance to play sports, regardless of financial or physical challenges. Power wheelchair football at N.E.C. shows what’s possible when you remove obstacles and create opportunities. It opens doors for children with physical disabilities, builds confidence, and gives them the experience of truly being part of a team. We’re proud to contribute to this project,” says Evelyn Kleij, project and partnership manager.
A season of growth and impact
This past season, the power wheelchair football project has made great strides. Since launching in 2022, when GezondRijk Nijmegen and N.E.C. became the first Dutch football club to establish a power wheelchair football team, the program has grown to fourteen participants.
With the addition of clubs like FC Eindhoven and Heracles Almelo, young players now have the chance to experience real matches. Four times a year, teams face off in competitive games. Together, we are working hard to build the future of this sport and expand the opportunities it provides. The impact is clear: participating children show social-emotional and physical development and gain important #skills4life such as confidence, discipline, and teamwork — skills they will carry with them for life.
“We see these children truly grow — not just in their gameplay, but in confidence, cooperation, and joy. For some, this is their first time ever playing a team sport. It gives them so much energy and pride. That’s what we do it for.” – Coach of the N.E.C. Power Wheelchair Football Team
An Nijkamp, project coordinator at GezondRijk Nijmegen, looks forward to the upcoming season:
“We’re grateful for our partnership with IT4Kids and excited to create something great again this year. Thanks to IT4Kids’ support, we can continue offering this special group of children a unique opportunity to play the sport they’ve always dreamed of.”
Want to support power wheelchair football at N.E.C.?
Ask your IT or HR manager what happens to retired hardware within your organization. By donating used equipment safely and easily to IT4Kids, the residual value is invested in sports projects like GezondRijk Nijmegen’s power wheelchair football — giving even more children with physical challenges the chance to play football.
A one-time donation is also welcome, or organize your own fundraiser — from a charity run to a football tournament. Every contribution helps get children moving!
Here’s to a new season, for more goals, more joy, and more growth!
