Goal Setter to Goal Achiever

From an initial goal of being able to brush his teeth, Jayde became a state player, and is now a National Development Coach for Wheelchair Rugby Australia.

After his spinal cord injury in 2003, all Jayde could move was his big toe and overcoming the constant focus on what he couldn’t do became his biggest challenge.

A self-proclaimed goal-setter, it was during a rehabilitation session when he watched a demonstration of Wheelchair Rugby that Jayde’s goals and life changed forever.

“Seeing that person gave me hope, and all I could think was – I want to get in that rugby chair.”

Jayde has played Wheelchair Rugby at local and national levels for 17 years. In 2022, he played and coached the WA Enforcers before retiring and coaching the team to a Silver Medal at the National Tournament this year.

It was in his player-coach role that Jayde caught the attention of Wheelchair Rugby Australia, who asked him to be part of their Coaching Development Program. He now travels interstate three times a year to coach and mentor wheelchair rugby players from all over the country.

Off the court, Jayde is a community educator and valued team member at the specialist in-home care provider, At Home Care. He presents to all new employees, teaching them about spinal cord injuries and the importance of a great care team.

“Having a great care provider gave me confidence and independence. Independence is so important for your mental wellbeing and has given me opportunities I never thought I’d have being in a wheelchair.”

For more information on how At Home Care helps you achieve your goals.