Football4All kicks several goals for special needs players

A RECORD 350 participants representing several special needs organisations across NSW plus teams from New Zealand had a “fantastic day’ at the eighth NOVA Employment Football4all Gala Day on Sunday.

The Nepean Dragons under 6-11 team: Nick, Riley, Jacob, Josh, Jayden, Megan, Jack, Chris, Lochlan, Austin. at the event at Valentine sports park, Glenwood. Pictures: Phil Rogers

A RECORD 350 participants representing several special needs organisations across NSW plus teams from New Zealand had a “fantastic day’ at the eighth NOVA Employment Football4all Gala Day on Sunday.

According to Football NSW CEO Eddie Moore the event was an unqualified success and underlines the association’s commitment to providiving more opportunities for people with disabilities to take part in football.

The event held at Glenwood’s Valentine Sports Park featured several clubs and organisations including Kellyville Soccer Club, Rouse Hill Rams, Kings Langley — Open Goals Special Needs Program, St Ives Football Club, Wagga Wagga Football4all, Marrickville FC All Abilities, Nepean Soccer Dragons, St George Warriors, Macarthur Magic Special Needs Football Club, North West Women’s FC, SNAPP A ROOS, Super Soccer, CPA Tiger Cubs, Sutherland Titans FC, Mt Druitt Town Rangers AWD Futsal, West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook FC and Raiders FC.

Youngsters compete in the fast-growing powerchair football.

Powerchair football, making its fourth successive appearance, attracted players from Central Coast Mariners, Newcastle Jets, Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC.

Pararoos stars Ben Atkins, Connor Marsh and coach Kai Lammert, Western Sydney Wanderers’ players Brendan Santalab, Jarryd Tyson and Jackson Bandiera and Central Coast Mariners’ Paul Izzo, Brad McDonald and Tom Heward-Belle handed out awards and medals.

Riverstone state Liberal MP Kevin Connolly Member was among the local dignitaries in attendance.

A powerchair football match in progress.

Neapean Dragons players with Sen Const. Dusan Dakic, Liz Schmitt, Harrison Schmitt, Warren Leahy and Sen Const. Linda Hart at Valentine Sports Park. Pictures: Phil Rogers

Off field entertainment included jumping castle and balloon artists while the PCYC activity truck, Quakers Hill LAC Police Force, Quakers Hill NSW Fire and Rescue were present.

“Football NSW is committed to supporting opportunity for people with disabilities to participate in football as players, coaches, referees or administrators and we are committed to developing an environment where accessibility and diversity are valued and nurtured,” Moore said.

Powerchair football brought out the best in the young competitors.

“NOVA Employment Football4all has now been running for eight years and is going from strength to strength and I want to congratulate everyone who participated in the event and of course thank all the volunteers and staff who made this event possible.

Football NSW’s Head of Football for Women’s and Schools Football Hayley Todd said it was their biggest event in eight years.

Austin from Nepean Soccer Dragons in action.

“This year’s event was the biggest to date with the inclusion of new Football4all Clubs, the NSW Powerchair Development League and a Football4all Futsal event that included teams from Southwest Football Foundation Trust — Sunshine Football teams from New Zealand,” Todd said.

“I would like to thank the Football4all club co-ordinators for their endless passion and drive in providing football opportunities for these players.”