MIDDLESBROUGH FC manager Aitor Karanka and coach Craig Hignett gave their backing to 'powerchair football' for wheelchair users.

Middlesbrough Powerchair Football Club has begun training at Coulby Newham's Rainbow Leisure Centre and the Boro bosses dropped in to congratulate the club on being granted £2,500 from the Teesside Philanthropic Foundation.

The Foundation's £10,000 Goalden Giveaway saw nine other Teesside community groups win a share of the cash, but only the powerchair football club received the VIP visit.

Powerchair football allows those with serious disabilities to take part in action-packed sport through the use of specialised wheelchairs.

The Boro managed watched his assistant have a go at the sport before chatting to the team’s players, who are hoping to win promotion to the national top division this season.

He said: “Craig and I were proud to represent the football club on such a great visit. The Foundation’s money could not have gone to a more deserving cause.”

Also receiving a share of the £10,000 were Teesside Samaritans, Friends of Sedgefield Harriers, Fresh Expressions, The Applegarth Centre at Laurence Jackson School, Daisy Chain, Child Deaf Youth Project, Impact Fitness Zone, Hartlepool Access Group and Volunteer Fulcrum.