Coburg Lions FIDA team to be featured in documentary

A team for players with a disability will show their heart in a documentary airing on TV during Friday night footy. The Coburg club had no hesitation getting involved for a good reason.

Coburg players Sam, 15, Josh, 14, and Sebastian, 14, love the game. Picture: Ellen Smith

A growing team of footy nuts will have their moment in the spotlight this Friday night.

A documentary film starring the Coburg Lions Football Integration Development Association (FIDA) team will feature on Channel 7 during football coverage, showing the stories behind the team of players with a disability.

Sam, 15, joined the team at the start of the season and despite not knowing the words, enjoyed singing the team song after being part of a win in his first game.

Sam, Josh and Sebastian handball the footy around. Picture: Ellen Smith

“I love playing footy, that’s the best, 100 per cent,” the centre-half forward said.

Sam’s mother Kathy Connolly said she noticed a welcome environment from the beginning.

“Everyone came and introduced themselves, which you don’t always get,” she said.

“Sam has tried so hard to fit in and people aren’t always kind but everyone here is in the same boat and it’s great for him to know he’s not the only one.”

Josh, 14, plays in the ruck for the Lions and said what first struck him was the team’s openness to players of all abilities.

The documentary will show the important role the Lions play in the lives of its players and their families, according to team president Piero D’Elia.

“It gives them the chance to do what they love. We want to assist and make sure families have respite and wearing the jumper and singing their song gives them a sense of satisfaction,” he said.

Film director Sarah-Jane Woulahan said the players jumped on board with the filming to try and convince others to join a sporting team.

“When I first visited the training at Pirahna Park, I was immediately struck by the charisma and passion of all the people,” she said.

“Everyone there was a unique character with an individual story, often having faced incredible hardship in their own lives.”

The documentary will air at halftime of the Friday night football game on Channel 7.

WHY I LOVE THE LIONS

Luke Miles, a player and coach with the team writes about what he loves most about the club.

I’ve played with the FIDA league for about nine years, but I’ve played football since I was a kid.

Luke Miles addresses his team

I first heard about the disability league through friends and I thought, “I’ll give that a go”. I’ve been here ever since.

I played mainstream football as a junior, but I never really got a go.

I have an intellectual disability and FIDA helped me get out there and improve my skills.

It has made me a better player.

I love everything about the league. It helps with my mental health to get out and be around people and have fun.

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As a coach, I am really proud of the players.

I have 38 people on my list with a big diversity of disabilities, from players with mild Down syndrome to mild cerebral palsy.

A lot of them wouldn’t be able to play in the mainstream league.

They turn up every week with a “never say die” attitude and always have smiles on their faces.

They give 110 per cent every week — win lose or draw, they always give it their best.