Football NSW will again host the Annual Football4all Gala day on Sunday, 19th June 2011 at Valentine Sports Park Glenwood.
Football NSW will again host the Annual Football4all Gala day on Sunday, 19th June 2011 at Valentine Sports Park Glenwood.
A Football NSW initiative introduced in 2009, the Football4all Gala Day aims to give people with a disability or special needs an avenue to enjoy a wonderful day of football with family and friend.
The day-s events kick off at 10.00am on Sunday morning for the 180 players who have pre-entered the Gala day via their various clubs and organizations.
Participating special needs groups and Football4All Programs include:
• Just for Kicks (Victoria)
• Special Olympics – Hills
• Special Olympics – Upper North Shore Indoor
• ESFA White Knights
• Freeman Socca Kids
• WPH Cherrybrook
• Blue Kanagaroos Hazelbrook
• Titans FC
• Special Olympics – Sydney South
• Special Olympics – Blue Mountains
• Disability Trust – White Knights
• Open Goals Kings Langley
• Special Olympics – Country
• Sports4all and
• Nepean Dragons
Special guests on the day will include a number of Central Coast Mariners players – Maltese International John Hutchinson, Kiwi Michael McGlinchey and promising rising stars Mustafa Amini, Sam Gallagher, Bernie Ibini-Isei and Trent Sainsbury.
Football NSW continues to support the right of people with disabilities to participate in football as players, coaches, referees or administrators and through our 12 club based Football4All Programs we are committed to developing an environment where accessibility and diversity are valued and nurtured.
Football4all is an excellent opportunity for not only players to engage in the world game, but for programs – both local and interstate – to be acknowledged for their devotion to special needs football.
Additionally, Football4all coincides with Football Federation Australia-s (FFA) recently launched Disability Football Month (June), aimed at assisting with the promotion and development of football across all levels and abilities. This represents a fantastic opportunity for groups involved in this year-s tournament to be exposed on a national level for their programs and dedication to the growth of special needs football.
The continual growth of the Football4all programs and Gala Day solidifies Football NSW commitment to special needs football. This commitment is reaffirmed by a number of Football NSW staff who have devoted a large amount of time behind the scenes to ensure this event and the various programs continue to grow and succeed.
Newly appointed CEO Eddie Moore is proud of the ongoing development of the Football4all initiative and hopes the Gala Day acts as a springboard for other federations increasing special needs participation.
“Football NSW is proud to have developed such an initiative and we are committed to the ongoing growth and development of our established and new special needs football programs.
“Football4all is a fantastic opportunity for special needs players and their families to the world game in a fun filled environment.”
“Volunteers not only involved with Football4all, but across the country, need to be commended on their tireless devotion to implementing special needs football programs and creating awareness of these platforms to families.”
Information regarding the Football4All Gala Day and Football4All club based programs can be found at the Football4All Webpage. Event run sheets and draws for the Gala Day will be made available at a date closer to the event.
