Interview - Aoife McNicholl: FIPFA Powerchair Soccer Team and MDI Member

Aoife McNicholl

The FIPFA World Cup will take place in Sydney, Australia from 15 to 21 October 2023. It’s an international Powerchair Football competition contested by members of the Fédération Internationale de Powerchair Football Association (FIPFA), the sport’s global governing body. MDI are proud to support the Ireland FIPFA powerchair soccer team and made a contribution of €12,000 in October 2022 towards the delegation’s fees for the FIPFA World Cup. With Six of the Ireland squad being MDI Members we recently sat down for a chat with some of them ahead of the big tournament.   

Where are you from? 
Portlaoise, Co. Laois.

How long have you been a member of the Irish Powerchair Soccer Team? 
I first competed for Ireland at the 2011 FIPFA World Cup in Paris. 

Is there a coach or athlete that you look up to as a role model and why?  
Momo Ghelami from France. He is the best player in the world and has won all major awards and trophies at club level and for his country.

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of sports?
I enjoy going to concerts, music festivals and travelling. 

Are you looking forward to the FIPFA Powerchair Football World Cup in Sydney, Australia this October?  
Yes, I can't wait for the World Cup in Sydney. It is such an honour to represent your country and play football at the highest level against the best teams in the world.

How can people support the Irish Powerchair Soccer Team? 
You can support the team by donating to our go fund me page where we are raising much needed funds towards the cost of the trip.