Special needs children suit up to play rugby league

CHILDREN with special needs are finally getting their wish of playing rugby league answered.

CHILDREN with special needs are finally getting their wish of playing rugby league answered.

Darren Deitz, through Wentworthville United Junior Rugby League and in partnership with the NRL, NSWRL, and Parramatta District Junior Rugby League, has developed a modified weekly rugby league program specifically for those children.

He said he decided to develop the program because of his son Lachlan, who has autism.

"At six he asked me how old I was when I started to play rugby league," he said.

"I told him nine, then he left me alone for three years. Then on his ninth birthday he said let's get ready to play league.

"Every other year he's wanted to play, but there hasn't been an avenue so he continued to play soccer."

Deitz said the program would be divided among age and ability levels, would initially run without tackling, and was designed to promote movement and improve gross motor skills.

WUJRL director Tony Bainou said the entire board voted in favour of the program, despite none of the board members having children with special needs.

"It's all got to do with the kids. We're here to give them a fair go," he said. "We're providing them with uniforms because we know the kids want to be the same as us.

"Why make them look different when they're not?"

Some of the players who are already signed up said their parents had not allowed them to play rugby league because it was too rough.

"I've wanted to play for about three years," Trent Townsend, 12, of Castle Hill, said.

"It's the greatest game of all. I'm looking forward to playing."

HAVE A GO

WHAT: Special Needs Junior Rugby League coaching clinic and registration day

WHERE: Ringrose Park, Wentworthville

WHEN: Saturday at 10am

SEASON START: April 27

AMBASSADOR: Former WUJRL and Parramatta Eels player Nathan Cayless

DETAILS: 0410 606 296 or [e-mail]