Meet the Poweroo representing Australia at the World Cup

After 15 years as a powerchair footballer, Western Sydney University PhD student Christopher Hastas has been named an Australian Poweroo and will represent the nation at the upcoming FIPFA Powerchair Football Club World Cup.

While he prepares for the tournament set to take place in Argentina this October, Christopher remains busy with his PhD, which examines the empowering impact of powerchair football on athletes living with a disability.

When choosing a research area for his PhD, he knew he wanted to focus on his owned lived experiences and passions.

“I am someone that has lived with a physical disability since I was born. This has really shaped who I am as a person and how I see the entire world,” said Christopher.

“I understand what it is like to experience social isolation and exclusion, and this is an experience that is shared by many people within my community.

“That is a significant motivation for me throughout my research, to write about my community in such a way to empower people to live fulfilled lives and have increased social participation.”

As an avid football fan, Christopher was eager to play any version of the sport. He joined the Newcastle Jets in 2010 and has since made memories that will last a lifetime.

He describes being selected as an Australian Poweroo as one of the greatest honours of his life.

“Knowing that I'm representing my country when I play a sport is something that is hard to describe. It gives me extra motivation to not just think about myself when playing the sport but to understand the responsibility I have is far greater than that.”

“I am looking forward to competing against the best players in the world.”

Beyond football, Chrisotpher has his sights set on a career in academia. He recently won the award for ‘Most Original Research’ at the University’s Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts, Business, Education and Law three-minute thesis competition.

“I'm hoping to achieve great impact through my research and to increase awareness of the sport and how it can empower the lives of people with a disability,” said Christopher.

“My supervision team have been outstanding, guiding my journey throughout my time at Western. I have developed as a person which has helped me be able to take on teaching and academic activities which I never would have previously thought were possible.

“I want to promote the autonomy and independence of people with physical disabilities, through advocacy, awareness and support.”

ENDS.

13 July 2026
Photo credit: Joep Bujis photography
Lauren Coskerie, Senior Media and PR Advisor