The Australian Powerchair Football Team, affectionately known as the Poweroos, have returned home from their first World Cup tournament in France.
For the 25 member team - the result was more than the numbers on the scoreboard- but the memories and mateship gained.
They are members of the youngest Powerchair Football nation. But they're already veterans of international competition up against Canada, England, Belgium, Ireland, Portugal, the United States and France. And they - finished 7th in the world.
For the players it was never about the destination, but the journey which took them there.
Two and half months of weekend training and fundraising - building confidence and a team spirit.
The team were proud to represent Australia.
"I have a lot of pride. It felt very good representing Australia and wearing that jumper, felt awesome," Abdullah Karim said.
Through football the players have become fearless saying that being wheelchair bound is no obstacle.
“To be able to find an outlet and participate improves their health, mentally as well as physically - it improves their ability to socially interact. It gives them confidence and allows them to say 'I can',” Australian Powerchair Football Association President, Matt Cross said.
They even surprised themselves when they were recognised for their sportsmanship - being selected for the Fair Play Award.
But while the English Football Association gave $40,000 to support its Wheelchair team - the Poweroos had to raise most of the $100,000 needed for the tournament.
"It was daunting on one level because it is a long way to go and travelling was extremely hard for these guys to get onto a plane and travel for upwards of a day and a bit," Mr Cross said. They've also enlisted the support of one of the most respected name in Australian Football.
One man who once held the nation's expectations on his shoulders has a special appreciation of their efforts, the former Socceroos coach learning a new meaning to the World Game. Also a Poweroos patron, Rale Rasic said he is learning more from them than they from him.
"They never ever spoken to one of them about difficulty nothing is ever impossible, everything is possible - They are more than superhuman," Mr Rasic said.
"Who has disability? I question that. I think it's us, not these people. I have never ever heard one of them complain," he said.
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