Sheffield Steelkings Para Ice Hockey Club

As they continued to grow in numbers and experience, the Steelkings became a force to be reckoned with in the British Sledge Hockey League, earning the respect of their opponents and fans alike.

Through hard work, teamwork, and sheer determination, the Steelkings have gone from strength to strength. Since their first win, they have grown in numbers, competed against international opponents, hosting their own Kings Cup competition, as well as winning both the British Para Ice Hockey League and Playoff trophies for the first time in 2019. The club also won the Playoffs in 2023 and 2024.

Their main aim is to show disabled people are strong can take part in physical sports, despite their impairment.

The club was successful in securing a £1,000 grant from the Legacy Fund, which is being managed and administered by South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation.

It was created by Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, and its partners, to give community groups and charitable organisations within a three-mile radius the opportunity to apply for funding to support physical and mental health and wellbeing and reduce social isolation.

Funding was used by the Steelkings to buy 10 adjustable helmets to ensure the players’ safety and allow them to cater for more people and account for different body shapes.

The Steelkings run a free, weekly disabled ice hockey taster session, but previously had to limit numbers due to a lack of equipment. The funding has opened up the sport to even more people.

The session is the only one of its kind in the UK and provides a chance for disabled people to engage with others who are in a similar position and form a support group which promotes physical and mental fitness.

Wayne Plummer, Sheffield Steelkings treasurer, said:

As a self-funded group, it's essential we engage with the local community to find new ways of providing the equipment needed to keep people safe while they train in para ice hockey.

Being able to work with the Legacy Fund helped us to achieve this. The application process was straightforward, and the communication from the group was second-to-none. This shows that supporting clubs like the Sheffield Steelkings is at the heart of the Legacy Fund is all about.