The team, made up of students from across the University, will head to the National Basketball Performance Centre in Manchester on Saturday 4 March where they will compete with other university teams from across the country.

Team captain Dominic La Mura, who is studying Sport & Physical Education, said: “I feel proud and honoured to captain this initiative to bring communities together and bring a competitive and fun sport to those who need more opportunities to take part. The build-up has been inspiring and we’ve experienced friendships and growth for what we all bring to the team. I look forward to the fun and exciting weekend at the championships.”

Teammate Sport Studies student Jack Poulton, who has cerebral palsy, said: “The team have a great bond and it will be a fantastic experience to play with good people, and it will be a privilege to represent the University at this event. We have been training really well and it's been a good break in between studies and I think I have found a new pastime.”

Head Coach Luke Joines, who is studying Sport & Physical Education, said: “It has been an amazing achievement setting up a new wheelchair basketball team at the University to give students an opportunity to play and become active. I feel honoured to be able to represent the University in such an inclusive and inspiring event.”

The team of ten, made up of disabled and able-bodied players, came together as a team after taking part in free wheelchair basketball taster sessions at the University, which are part of Get Into Sport programme that aims to get more students involved in sport and physical activity during their studies.

For updates of the team in training and at competition, follow @GetintoSport on Twitter