‘A chance to play with their peers’: All Abilities Touch Football Gala Day

For the first time ever, primary school students have been provided the opportunity to play alongside their peers in an all abilities team sport. Read about the day and the students here.

During a game against Rangeville a teacher is providing support to a Middle Ridge student about where to run.

Beaming with an enormous smile, Liam Naden was overwhelmed with the joy of playing a team sport alongside 80 other primary school student as part of the inaugural All Abilities Touch Football Gala Day.

“It feels great because I don’t always get to play games with other people, because I have a disability,” 11-year-old Middle Ridge student Liam said.

Liam and his classmates were among the students from five schools across the Darling Downs that participated in the day’s activities.

The day gave young athletes of all abilities the chance to participate in a team sport.

Students with a disability (certified players) played alongside non-certified players, and was one of the first times in the state such an event has been made available for primary school students.

A round-robin event that highlighted participation as opposed to winning, no trophies or medals were handed out on the day but certificates of participation.

Glenvale students make some substitutions during a match against Darling Heights.

“I have a son with a disability who is actually here playing today,” mother and co-organiser Rachael Delaney said.

“I started doing a junior program last year, but we wanted the kids to not just be able to do a program but to actually play a game of touch.

“Tania (Schmidt, and co-organiser) suggested that we should go through the schools.

“As she is a Principal herself (Emu Creek) she was able to make some calls and everyone was very keen for something like this to go ahead, to give children a chance to play with their peers in a team sport.

“It’s also so great seeing these kids get to put a numbered jersey on like their brothers and sisters.”

Iszak Nielsen from Darling Heights SS loved his first time playing touch footy.

For some students the gala day was their first experience of organised sport.

“This is the first time I’ve played,” Darling Heights student Iszak Nielsen, 11, said.

“Scoring tries and running is good.”

Sihas Abeywichrama, 11, also took part in the day.

The Rangeville student enjoyed putting his skills into work on the field.

“I’ve done it before at school to practise for today, it’s been good.”

The Chronicle spoke to some players and volunteers involved with the Gala Day.

Participating Students

Sihas Abeywichrama and his 'buddy' Ella Vlackey of Rangeville SS.

Ella Vlackey, 11, Rangeville, (non-certified)

Helping out her fellow classmate throughout the days play, Ella Vlackey enjoyed every minute.

“This is my first time playing touch actually, but I’ve been enjoying it.”

“I enjoy helping a lot because I have a brother that has ADHD and Autism, so I like to see that other people are able to be included in this game (touch).

“I definitely want to play touch in the future because I like that it’s really inclusive and it’s also a lot of fun.”

Glenvale SS student Harley Foster ready to pass the ball.

Harley Foster, 11, Glenvale, (certified player)

“This is my first time playing touch.”

“I used to play rugby when I was six until I got my (club) foot operated on.

“I’ve had two operations so far that haven’t fully helped but I am getting some handmade shoes that suit my foot, and insoles too, so I’m a pretty lucky boy.

“Not everyone has an advantage or at least people have disadvantages, so I’d say that it’s really fair to the other people.

“The coaches (and refs) have been really nice.

Liam Naden of Middle Ridge SS striking a power pose.

Liam Naden, 11, Middle Ridge, (certified player)

“I’ve played touch before at my house with my brothers and my dad.”

“The day has been great so far.

“I might keep playing, I’ve definitely enjoyed it.

“My favourite part was playing the games because it’s really fun, I just love touch.

“It feels great because I don’t always get to play games with other people, because I have a disability.

“I normally wear these gloves but today they’ve helped because they let me grip the ball better.”

Stella Nolan, 10, Toowoomba East, (certified player)

“This is my first time playing touch and I’ve been enjoying it really much.”

“I just love sports.

“I played soccer last year but I haven’t played a sport like this before.

“It’s definitely a lot different (from soccer) but my brother plays footy and I’ve passed the ball with him and dad usually kicks the ball up for me to try and catch it.

“It feels pretty good not being left out and knowing that there are a lot of other people with disabilities.

“I’ve loved being able to play with Ivy because she’s my best mate.”

Best friends Stella Nolan and Ivy Luther of Toowoomba East SS at the All Abilities Touch Gala Day.

Ivy Luther, 11, Toowoomba East, (non-certified player)

“I’ve played touch before for inter-school sport this year, and it’s been really good.”

“It’s been cool having all the different schools and getting to meet new people.

“The day is really nice because you can help them (other students) learn how to play and be a buddy to support.

“I definitely want to keep playing touch.”

High School Student Volunteers

Beau Robinson, 17, Centenary Heights SHS, (student volunteer)

A Middle Ridge student makes a break down the middle of the field after Beau Robinson (yellow cap in background) encouraged him to run as fast as he can.

“We are both here as part of our sport rec. Cert 2 at school, and I want to be a PE teacher, so this is right up my alley.”

“We volunteered and it has been awesome so far.

“We are here to make sure that the kids are enjoying themselves and having fun.

“It’s really cool to see because even myself growing up there was no where near this level of inclusion and diversity within the sport, so it has been really refreshing to see all these different kids playing together and enjoying themselves.”

Chloe Ewing, 16, Centenary Heights SHS, (student volunteer)

“It’s such a cool event, seeing all these schools come together and play together.”

“Getting out their and helping the kids and encouraging them is really cool and rewarding.”

Centenary Heights SHS student volunteers (left to right) Tala Murphy (16), Lilly Wade (16) and Chloe Ewing (16) pose with Ivy Luther and Stella Nolan.