Sydney FC stars Terry McFlynn, Ivan Necevski and Nathan Sherlock will take part in a unique Football NSW initiative that aims to give people with a disability or special needs an avenue to enjoy a wonderful day of football with family and friends.
Sydney FC stars Terry McFlynn, Ivan Necevski and Nathan Sherlock will take part in a unique Football NSW initiative that aims to give people with a disability or special needs an avenue to enjoy a wonderful day of football with family and friends.
The Football4all Gala Day, introduced in 2009, starts at 10am on Sunday (3 June) at Valentine Park in Glenwood with over 200 players who have pre-entered the Gala day via their various clubs and organizations.
Participating Special Needs Groups and Football4All Programs include:
Blue Kangeroos, Nepean Soccer Dragons, Titans FC, Open Goals Kings Langley, Freeman Socca Kidz, Special Olympic North Shore, St Clare-s High Taree, West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook FC, Special Olympics Sydney Hills, Roseland Sports Aquatic Centre, The Disability Trust – White Knights, Purple Hearts and Sport 4 All.
The Sydney FC players will be joined by new coach Ian Crook and FFA Community Ambassador and Matildas star Heather Garriock.
Following on from the Football4all theme, Football NSW recently announced the signing of NOVA Employment for the Gala Day celebrations.
NOVA Employment who will join in on the Football4All festivities by assisting with recruiting volunteers on the day, operate a number of programs which include the Disability Employment Service (DES), a registered training organisation (NOVA Training) and ‘Transition to Work- a New South Wales Government initiative.
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.
FFA-s Football4All ambassador and Sydney FC striker Kyah Simon, is thrilled to be involved with the initiative. “Football is a beautiful game and one of the best things about it is that anyone can play,” she said. “Being able to be part of a team environment is very empowering and something that I especially love about the game.
“Football has given me a lot of self-confidence and happiness – the chance for more people to be able to benefit from being exposed to football is a great thing.”
Football NSW CEO Eddie Moore is proud of the ongoing development of the Football4all initiative and is eagerly anticipating a successful Football4all Gala Day this Sunday.
“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.”
In conjunction with the Football4all theme for the month of June, Football NSW hosted a Special Needs interactive course held at Valentine Sports Park on Monday 28th of May.
The ‘Working with Special Needs Kids- interactive workshop was attended by over 30 coaches which was led by Australian National Community Coach Education Manager Norm Boardman.
