Solent Sharks have become the first club in Hampshire to compete at the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby National Championships.

The team took part in the event last weekend, marking their first ever tournament.

The club grew out of a project called Sportivate, which was established by New Forest District Council in October last year and funded by Sport Hampshire & Isle of Wight.

It led to a six-week wheelchair rugby course held at Totton Leisure Centre, with 13 people taking part in the sessions.

The council had identified a demand for the sport after the success of Hampshire’s Aaron Phipps, who competed for Team GB at last year’s Paralympics.

Jamie Burton, the council’s sport and play development officer, said: “It’s been great to see the growth from those beginner sessions into the club competing at the National Championships.”

Southampton Solent University were quick to offer support once the Sportivate project had reached completion, providing £45,000 of investment for new chairs, free access to the University’s St Mary’s Sports Centre in Southampton as well as coaching and administrative support to enable the club to continue training at a high level. Richard Cartwright, chairman of Solent Sharks, said: “The level of support shown from everyone who has been involved in this project has been incredible.” Penny Woods, sports development manager and Sportivate project manager at SHIOW, said: “The creation and growth of Solent Sharks is a perfect example of Paralympic legacy in action and we hope it will inspire many more people to take part in Sportivate and find the sport for them.”

Solent Sharks now have 20 registered members and train every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at St Mary’s Leisure Centre in Southampton. For more information please contact solentsharkswrc@hotmail.co.uk.