Coventry Stampede Player Awarded Freeman of The City of Coventry. 

On 8th October 2024, Martin Taylor, a player for Coventry Stampede Wheelchair Rugby was awarded Freeman of the city of Coventry. 

Martin became an amputee through a road traffic accident and found wheelchair rugby through the Coventry Rugby Foundation. He trains and competes regularly with the team and also helps with maintaining and repairing the sports wheelchairs.
Coventry is the only city where the right to become a Freeman is still earned through service, completion of an apprenticeship under an enrolled deed within the city boundary.

The city of Coventry Freemens guild has a history that goes back hundreds of years, and the ceremony for the Freeman has been in place since 1345.

During the ceremony Martin swore an oath of allegiance in front of the Lord Mayor and the Master of the Freeman’s guild in the council chambers.

Coventry Stampede run regular wheelchair rugby sessions for any physical disabilities, to find out more and have a go please contact: msehmi@coventryrugby.co.uk